Some normobaric hydrocephalus may remain stable with symptoms for a lifetime, while most hydrocephalus will show progressive exacerbation and require prompt treatment.
According to the characteristics of intracranial pressure when hydrocephalus is formed, hydrocephalus can be categorized into two types: high-pressure hydrocephalus and normal-pressure hydrocephalus, while normal-pressure hydrocephalus can be categorized into symptomatic hydrocephalus and asymptomatic hydrocephalus according to the obviousness of clinical symptoms.
In some cases, asymptomatic hydrocephalus is characterized by a remission of the disease process due to the re-establishment of a balance between cerebrospinal fluid secretion and absorption, and becomes quiescent hydrocephalus, in which the ventricles of the brain are no longer progressively enlarged, and the clinical symptoms are no longer progressive. This type of hydrocephalus may remain progression-free for life.
However, most hydrocephalus is a progressive pressure increasing hydrocephalus that requires prompt intervention to prevent irreversible damage to brain tissue from increased intracranial pressure. If hydrocephalus is present or suspected, patients are advised to visit a hospital promptly and be treated aggressively under the supervision of a doctor.