Our Hydrocephalus Stories | Hydrocephalus Association

I feel that it is very important for doctors to listen to their patients and realize they are not hypochondriacs. What they all feel is very real. But it is up to everyone to be their own advocate.

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.

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.

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

In high school, football player Wesley got some shocking news. He was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and told to stop playing football. However, he didn’t let that stop him from living life to the fullest. Today, he’s an elementary and middle school teacher and an advocate for the condition.

Morgan struggled for years with debilitating symptoms that no one could explain until finally being diagnosed with hydrocephalus. Now, her struggle continues to get better even after her shunt placement but she refuses to give up hope.

Despite the headaches, vertigo and learning challenges caused by her hydrocephalus, Elis is studying to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer and loves trying new adventures!

Cathy had always experienced headaches. But in 2018 a laughing fit sent her to the emergency room, where she learned she had hydrocephalus.

Samantha lived her entire life with a shunt to treat her hydrocephalus until an emergency trip to the hospital at age 22 changed everything.

Danielle spent years with debilitating symptoms that caused her to struggle in school and life. Eventually as an adult, she was treated for hydrocephalus and it changed her life.

Zoe is not even a year old but has already endured 13 surgeries due to hydrocephalus. Despite her challenges, she continues to amaze everyone with her smiles and joy.

Jacob grew up with learning disabilities due to his hydrocephalus. However, he eventually figured out a way to turn his challenges into a gift for himself and others as a tool for memory retrieval and later behavior management, life skills and so much more.

At almost 2 years old, Jack has already endured nine brain surgeries to treat his hydrocephalus. But his parents have no doubt that their little “fighter” will continue to amaze them and make them stronger in the process.

When Isaac developed hydrocephalus, his parents were told that he would have severe disabilities his entire life. Now, the spunky 3-year-old is defying the odds – running, laughing, dancing, speaking two languages and more!

Wali was in and out of the hospital frequently as a child due to his hydrocephalus, and then again when he was older. But that didn’t stop him from pushing hard in school. Today, he’s doing what he loves to do and is the proud owner of an IT company.

I have learned that no matter what I’m going through, I can have a positive attitude and a determination to overcome any obstacle I meet.

James has always been fearless. He never let his hydrocephalus stop him from climbing mountains or volunteering to build houses in Cambodia. Even after a physical set back, he’s determined to continue living life and giving back.

Brenna’s life was turned upside down after she developed hydrocephalus six years ago. But after undergoing brain surgery for a shunt, she refused to let her condition stop her from enjoying the outdoor adventures she always loved.

I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at the age of 7 years old and had my first shunt on August 14, 2007. Doctors told me I was going to live with a shunt for the rest of my life but Aug. 20th 2020 is the 10th anniversary of being shunt free!

Brianna grew up in and out of the hospital. That’s when she found her passion of becoming a pediatric nurse. Now she’s about to achieve her childhood dream.

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