- Hydrocephalus is a serious brain condition with fluid buildup.
- Researchers studied the usual idea about fluid absorption and problems.
- They now say the brain may not absorb heartbeat pulses.
- Heartbeat pulses can make fluid move and raise pressure.
- A part of the brain normally smooths the heartbeat pulses.
- Hydrocephalus can affect babies, adults, and older people.
- Common problems include walking difficulty and memory loss.
- Treatment is usually surgery to place a shunt from brain.
- Shunts often fail, causing repeated operations and long care.
Difficult words
- hydrocephalus — a serious brain condition with extra fluid
- absorb — to take in or hold something inside
- pulse — a quick push or regular movement in bodypulses
- pressure — force or stress inside a space or body
- shunt — a tube that moves fluid to another place
- surgery — an operation where doctors fix a body problem
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you know someone who had brain surgery?
- Do you know someone with walking difficulty?
- Do you know someone with memory loss?
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