What celebraties have hydrocephalus?

Answer 1

Hydrocephalus has many causes. Anything that alters the flow of the fluid around the brain & spine can cause hydrocephalus. It can be acquired at any age, primarily from any head trauma or as a congenital condition. In older folks it can occur spontaneously in a condition called Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). In the case of NPH, there is a chance of misdiagnosis because some symtoms can appear to be those of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or other neurological conditions or forms of dimentia.

Hydrocephalus can be caused by everything from low folic acid levels in women of childbearing years to concussive incidents/traumatic head injury (TBI) at any age. A brain bleed can also occur at any age and result in hydrocephalus. We are seeing veterans returning from conflicts, who have had concussive incidents, acquiring hydrocephalus as well.

The Hydrocephalus Support Group, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization in Washington state offering moral support and information to families, friends, caregivers and those (of all ages) living with the condition of hydrocephalus. We meet on the third Saturday of each month, from 12:45 pm to 3:00 pm in the Casey Conference Room at Swedish Hospital's Cherry Hill campus (17th & Jefferson/Seattle). Drop ins & kids are welcome.

Every case of hydrocephalus is unique. The cause of the damage is pressure on the brain from the excess fluid around the brain. Shunting is the standard treatment, but some damage may be permanent, especially if treatment isn't prompt--at any age. Depending on what part of the brain is damaged, there can be an array of issues.

Not all cases of hydrocephalus result in cp.

Answer 2

Rev. Billy Graham has normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).