Causes & Risk Factors
Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury can lead to hydrocephalus, sometimes through bleeding that impairs CSF flow and absorption.
In short: Traumatic brain injury
- A head injury can lead to hydrocephalus.
- It often acts through bleeding into the CSF spaces.
- Hydrocephalus can develop acutely or later.
- A portion of patients require CSF diversion.
What it is
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is damage to the brain from an external force, such as a fall or accident. Among its many potential consequences, it can lead to hydrocephalus.
Understanding Traumatic brain injury
After a head injury, bleeding into the CSF spaces (such as subarachnoid or intraventricular hemorrhage) can impair CSF flow and absorption, leading to hydrocephalus. This can develop acutely (soon after the injury) or later (as a communicating hydrocephalus during recovery). Estimates suggest a portion of patients with significant brain injury — on the order of a few percent — require CSF diversion such as a shunt. Patients recovering from significant brain injury are monitored for hydrocephalus, since recognizing it can be important if recovery stalls or symptoms develop.
Why it matters
Understanding traumatic brain injury as a cause helps families see how a head injury can lead to hydrocephalus, often through bleeding, and why monitoring for hydrocephalus is part of recovery after a significant injury.
Common questions
Can a head injury cause hydrocephalus?
Yes — often through bleeding into the CSF spaces.
When can it develop?
Acutely or later during recovery.
Do many patients need treatment?
A portion require CSF diversion, such as a shunt.
Bottom line
Traumatic brain injury can cause hydrocephalus, often through bleeding that impairs CSF flow and absorption, acutely or later.
Browse all 265 Hydrocephalus definitions
Read the Hydrocephalus patient guides
Not sure which page you need? Put words to it with the symptom navigator