Hydrocephalus Stories from Our Community

Read stories of people living with hydrocephalus (Patients and Caregivers). These amazing individuals are living life to the fullest regardless of the challenges the condition brings. Want to share your own story of resilience?

Diagnosed at 70

Diane

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith January 7, 2025

At 70 years old, Diane was diagnosed with NPH after struggles with falls and incontinence. Following ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery, she has made steady progress, moving from a walker to a cane, supported by her husband Alan and family as she embraces life’s challenges and small victories.

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Diagnosed In-utero

Dereck

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith January 3, 2025

Dereck’s journey with hydrocephalus has made him resilient, navigating over 500 surgeries and countless challenges. Despite unexpected turns, he finds fulfillment in volunteering and inspiring hope in others.

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Diagnosed at 2 weeks

Fred

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith November 26, 2024

Despite the countless challenges of living with hydrocephalus, Fred has found resilience through self-advocacy, community connection, and a passion for supporting others facing similar journeys.

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Diagnosed In-utero

Ryder

Story Written by Mother

By Sierra Smith October 31, 2024

Ryder, an 11-year-old living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, has faced countless challenges, yet his resilience inspires his family every day.

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Cavan, Breccan, and Teagan

Story Written by Mother

By Sierra Smith October 3, 2024

Caitlin shares her family’s unique journey of having three children diagnosed with hydrocephalus, beginning with her oldest son, Cavan. Despite being told the condition wasn’t genetic, both of her younger children, Breccan and Teagan, were also diagnosed with hydrocephalus.

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Diagnosed at 8 Months

Oliver

Story Written by Father

By admin September 9, 2024

It has now been almost 4 months since Oliver had his shunt placed, and he is living life to the fullest!

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Diagnosed at 5 Months

Cadogan

Story Written by Father

By admin September 9, 2024

Cadogan, born with hydrocephalus, has faced multiple surgeries and challenges, but continues to show resilience and progress with the strong support of his family.

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Diagnosed at 24

Lauren

Story Written by Self

By admin September 3, 2024

After years of misdiagnoses, Lauren was finally diagnosed with hydrocephalus in 2021 and underwent successful endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) surgery.

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Diagnosed at 1 Month

Benaiah

Story Written by Mother

By JennBechard August 12, 2024

Nineteen. That’s how many days Benaiah’s family had with him before realizing how much he was up against. Benaiah’s story is hard, but it’s a good one, filled with hope and strength.

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Diagnosed at 21

Ryan

Story Written by Self

By JennBechard May 20, 2024

After a benign brain tumor diagnosis amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Ryan faced an even greater challenge when a subsequent injury unveiled hydrocephalus. His emergency surgery marked a turning point, empowering him to pursue a fulfilling life despite the obstacles.

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Diagnosed at 62

Olga

Story Written by Self

By JennBechard April 5, 2024

Olga confronted unexpected health hurdles at 62. From navigating unexplained falls to advocating for her treatment, her story embodies resilience.

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Diagnosed In-utero

In Memory of Our Miracle Carla

Story Written by Parent and Sister

By JennBechard March 21, 2024

Carla’s journey began with a revelation that resonated with uncertainty. Carla was diagnosed with congenital…

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Diagnosed at Birth

Tyerria

Story Written by Mother

By JennBechard March 5, 2024

“Our miracle baby is now a young woman who has been truly blessed and remains steadfast.” Read Tyerria’s story, told by her mom, Terra.

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Diagnosed at Birth

Cecilia

Story Written by Mother

By JennBechard October 10, 2023

Kristen shares Cecilia’s inspiring journey, born at 29 weeks, a testament to resilience and the human spirit’s triumph.

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Diagnosed at 7 Months

James

Story Written by Author/Self

By JennBechard September 12, 2023

James recounts his journey navigating academic success and personal growth while living with hydrocephalus. His story underscores resilience and the call for improved support.

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Evelyn

Diagnosed at 67

Evelyn

Story Written by Author/Self

By JennBechard July 17, 2023

Evelyn shares how the surgical placement of a shunt for NPH transformed her life.

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Diagnosed at 75

John

Story Written by Wife

By JennBechard July 10, 2023

Sukey shares her husband’s journey with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

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Diagnosed at 10 Months

Kyleigh

Story Written by Author/Self

By JennBechard May 15, 2023

At the age of 10 months, Kyleigh was diagnosed with obstructive hydrocephalus, also known as non-communicating hydrocephalus. She developed hydrocephalus from a tectal glioma (brain tumor).

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Diagnosed at 3 Days

Marcos

Story Written by Author/Self

By JennBechard May 2, 2023

Marcos acquired hydrocephalus at 3 days old due to a brain bleed. Growing up with hydrocephalus, he faced multiple surgeries and hospital stays. But those challenges led him to his life mission!

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Diagnosed at 79

Mira

Story Written by Author/Self

By JennBechard March 28, 2023

Mira was diagnosed with NPH at the age of 79. She believes in early detection of hydrocephalus.

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Diagnosed at 62

Kim

Story Written by Author/Self

By Ines Schlegel January 19, 2023

Kim was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) at the age of 62.

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Diagnosed at 66

Trish

Story Written by Author/Self

By Ines Schlegel August 17, 2022

Trish was diagnosed with NPH and had shunt surgery. Thanks to that and several kinds of therapy, Trish is now back to doing what she loves.

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Diagnosed at 34

Gary

Story Written by Author/Self

By Liz June 8, 2022

Gary has been living with NPH for over 40 years. He hopes the information he offers is helpful to someone that is just learning about the condition.

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Diagnosed at 77

Dorothy

Story Written by Author/Self

By Liz June 8, 2022

Dorothy’s goal is to help others find an accurate NPH diagnosis and treatment to avoid what she, and so many, have experienced.

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