Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs HydrocephalusUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewHydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid in the cavities deep within the brain. The extra fluid puts pressure on the brain and can cause brain damage. It's most common in infants and older adults.TreatmentsTreatment is often a tube (shunt) inserted surgically into a ventricle to drain excess fluid. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use