By Chris Sharry on January 28th, 2025 in Disability, Disability Qualifying, Social Security Disability
Qualifying for disability with Hydrocephalus requires demonstrating that the condition significantly impairs your ability to work and meets the criteria outlined under similar listings in the SSA’s Blue Book. Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in cavities called ventricles deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid usually flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column. But the pressure of too much cerebrospinal fluid can damage brain tissues and cause a range of symptoms related to brain function.
Types of hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus may happen when something blocks the flow of CSF after it exits the ventricles. In some cases, CSF can still flow between the ventricles and the passages between them remain open. Reduced flow and absorption of CSF into specialized structures called arachnoid villi can also result in a buildup of CSF in the ventricles.
Hydrocephalus also may happen when something blocks the flow of CSF along one or more of the narrow passages connecting the ventricles.
Types of hydrocephalus include:
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH): causes problems with walking, bladder control, and difficulties thinking and reasoning. The increase in cerebrospinal fluid in NPH happens slowly enough that the tissues around the ventricles compensate and the fluid pressure inside the head does not increase. NPH can happen in people of any age, but is most common in older adults. The symptoms of NPH usually get worse over time if it is not treated. NPH can result from bleeding in the brain’s CSF (also known as subarachnoid or intraventricular hemorrhage), head trauma, infection, tumor, or a complication of surgery. However, many people develop NPH when none of these factors are present. It can be hard to diagnose NPH, with many people not receiving proper treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment improve the chance of a good recovery. Without treatment, NPH symptoms may worsen and cause death.
- Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo: results from brain damage caused by stroke or injury. When this happens, brain tissue around the ventricles shrinks, and the ventricles grow bigger because of this. It is not a true hydrocephalus but a hydrocephalus “look-alike” condition.
What Are The Causes
A combination of genetic and environmental factors during fetal development causes congenital hydrocephalus. “Congenital” means present at birth. The most common causes of congenital hydrocephalus are:
- Spine bifida and other brain and spinal cord (neural tube) defects.
- A narrowing of the small passage between the third and fourth ventricles of your brain (aqueductal stenosis).
- Complications of premature birth, such as bleeding within ventricles.
- Infections during pregnancy, such as rubell, that can cause inflammation in fetal brain tissue.
Acquired hydrocephalus develops at any point after birth and can affect people of all ages. The most common causes of acquired hydrocephalus are:
- Head trauma.
- Stroke.
- Brain or spinal cord tumors.
- Meningitis or other infections of your brain or spinal cord.
Hydrocephalus is not listed individually in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Blue Book, but it may be considered a disability if it’s similar to another listed condition. Conditions that may be similar:
- Stroke or traumatic brain injury: Section 11.04 or 11.18 of the Blue Book
- Epilepsy: Sections 11.02 of the Blue Book
- Head and neck tumors: Section 13.02 of the Blue Book
- Neurocognitive disorders: Section 12.02 of the Blue Book
Seeking Disability Benefits for Hydrocephalus
If you or a loved one is managing hydrocephalus and facing challenges in maintaining employment, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. While hydrocephalus is not specifically listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, it can still be considered a disabling condition under similar listings. Navigating the application process can be complex, but the knowledgeable attorneys at Sharry & Monfette, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, are here to help. Contact Attorney Christopher Sharry today to schedule a consultation and get the legal support you need to pursue the benefits you deserve.
