Hydrocephalus Care — Anoki

Hydrocephalus

Care for fluid-related brain conditions, at every age

From infants with congenital hydrocephalus to older adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus, Dr. Rajesh Pathi evaluates and treats fluid-related brain conditions with a clear, individualized plan.

Book a Consultation Call the Clinic

Doctor reviewing a brain scan with a patient or parent

MCh

Neurosurgery Super-Specialization

ETV & Shunt

Surgery Experience

All Ages

Infants to Older Adults

2nd Opinion

Consultations Welcomed

Illustration of brain ventricles / CSF flow, or clinical diagram≈ 540 × 400px

In plain language

What is hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus happens when cerebrospinal fluid — the fluid that normally cushions and nourishes the brain — builds up more than it should, putting pressure on surrounding brain tissue.

It can be present from birth (congenital), develop after an injury, infection or bleed, or appear later in life without an obvious cause, as in normal pressure hydrocephalus. The right treatment depends entirely on the type, cause and severity in each individual case.

Who this affects

Hydrocephalus looks different at different ages

Recognizing the right pattern matters — here's how it typically presents.

Infants & Children

Congenital & Pediatric Hydrocephalus

Often noticed by parents or at routine check-ups

Parent and infant, gentle clinical setting≈ 460 × 160px

Unusually rapid head growth Bulging soft spot (fontanelle) Vomiting or irritability Downward-gazing eyes Developmental delay

Older Adults

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

Often mistaken for normal aging or dementia

Older adult with family member, supportive setting≈ 460 × 160px

Difficulty walking, shuffling gait Memory or thinking changes Loss of bladder control Slower thinking or reaction time

How we can help

Consultations & procedures

Whether you're seeking an initial evaluation or considering a specific treatment approach.

General Evaluation & Treatment

Start here for a new concern, a diagnosis to understand, or ongoing management.

Hydrocephalus Consultation Hydrocephalus Treatment

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)

A shunt-free surgical option for select cases, creating a new pathway for fluid drainage.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ETV Surgery

VP Shunt Care

Consultation for ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, the most established treatment approach.

VP Shunt Consultation

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

Evaluation for older adults with gait, memory or bladder changes that may be NPH rather than aging or dementia.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Consultation

Treatment options

ETV vs. VP shunt — understanding the choice

Both are established treatments; which one is appropriate depends entirely on your specific case.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)

A minimally invasive procedure that creates a new pathway for cerebrospinal fluid to drain naturally, without an implanted device.

No permanent hardware in most cases
Suitable for select cases, based on the cause and location of blockage

VP Shunt (Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt)

A thin tube that continuously drains excess fluid from the brain to the abdomen, where it's safely absorbed.

The most established, widely-used treatment
Requires periodic monitoring for shunt function

What to expect

How we approach your care

Detailed evaluation

Imaging review and, for adults, a check of gait, memory and bladder symptoms together.

Clear explanation

Understanding the type and likely cause, explained without medical jargon.

The right treatment path

ETV, VP shunt, or monitoring — matched to your specific diagnosis.

Ongoing follow-up

Regular monitoring to ensure treatment continues working as expected.

Dr. Rajesh Pathi portrait≈ 340 × 420px

Your Neurosurgeon

Dr. Rajesh Pathi

MBBS, MS, MCh, FMISS — Senior Consultant Neuro & Spine Surgeon

Dr. Pathi treats hydrocephalus across age groups — from congenital cases in infants to normal pressure hydrocephalus in older adults — and explains the reasoning behind ETV or shunt recommendations clearly before any decision is made.

Book a Consultation View Full Profile

Common questions

Questions patients & parents often have

Is hydrocephalus always present from birth?

No. While it can be congenital, hydrocephalus can also develop later in life due to injury, infection, bleeding, or — in older adults — as normal pressure hydrocephalus, often without a clear cause.

My elderly parent has memory and walking difficulties — could it be NPH instead of dementia?

It's possible — NPH is frequently mistaken for dementia or normal aging, but unlike most dementias, NPH can sometimes improve significantly with treatment. It's worth a proper evaluation to rule it in or out.

Is ETV always preferred over a VP shunt?

Not always — suitability depends on the cause and location of the fluid blockage. Dr. Pathi will explain which option is more appropriate for your specific situation.

Does a VP shunt need lifelong monitoring?

Yes, typically — periodic follow-up helps confirm the shunt is functioning well and catch any issues early. This will be explained clearly as part of your treatment plan.

Have questions about a hydrocephalus diagnosis?

Book a consultation with Dr. Rajesh Pathi at our Pragathi Nagar clinic — for your child, a family member, or yourself.

Book an Appointment Call the Clinic