TMS Therapy for Hydrocephalus

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a condition that occurs when excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain’s ventricles due to overproduction, impaired absorption, or blocked flow.

This buildup can increase intracranial pressure and stretch or compress brain tissue, which may lead to neurological and cognitive symptoms.

Hydrocephalus can develop at any age, including infancy, childhood, or later in life.

Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocephalus

The symptoms of hydrocephalus can vary depending on age, severity, and cause.

In adults, common signs include:

• Gait disturbances (balance issues or shuffling walk).
• Urinary urgency or incontinence.
• Memory loss or cognitive decline.
• Headaches and pressure-like sensations.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Vision changes (e.g., blurred or double vision).
• Mood changes such as depression or apathy.
• Slowed reaction time or mental processing.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Hydrocephalus can be caused by several underlying issues, including:

• Traumatic brain injury.
• Brain tumors.
• Meningitis or other infections.
• Brain hemorrhages.
• Congenital structural abnormalities.
• Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) in older adults.
  
  

According to a 2023 review in ScienceDirect, subarachnoid hemorrhage and brain tumors are among the most frequent causes of acquired hydrocephalus in adults, often leading to impaired CSF absorption and increased ventricular size.

Risk factors include age-related brain changes, complications from neurosurgery, or prior neurological conditions.

Types of Hydrocephalus and Their Impact

There are several types of hydrocephalus, each with different implications:

• Communicating Hydrocephalus: CSF can still flow between ventricles, but is poorly absorbed.
  
• Non-Communicating (Obstructive) Hydrocephalus: CSF flow is blocked, usually due to a structural issue.
  
• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH): A form seen in older adults with little to no increase in CSF pressure but with classic symptoms like gait and memory issues.
  
• Congenital Hydrocephalus: Present at birth and often requires surgical intervention.

Each type may result in different long-term effects depending on how early it is treated and how the brain responds to interventions like shunt placement or surgery.

How is Hydrocephalus Diagnosed?

Hydrocephalus is typically diagnosed through:

• Neurological exams to assess reflexes, coordination, and mental status.
  
• Brain imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, to detect enlarged ventricles.
  
• Lumbar puncture or CSF tap tests to determine CSF pressure or response to fluid removal.
  
• Gait analysis or cognitive testing, especially for suspected NPH.

A neurosurgeon or neurologist will typically lead the diagnostic process and determine whether surgical intervention is necessary.

TMS Therapy for Hydrocephalus

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted brain regions.

While it does not treat the root cause of hydrocephalus or replace surgical solutions, TMS may be beneficial for patients who continue to experience:

• Cognitive dysfunction.
  
• Depression or emotional changes.
  
• Slow mental processing.
  
• Executive functioning deficits.

At Neurotherapeutix, we use fMRI-guided TMS therapy, which goes beyond traditional TMS by using functional brain mapping to precisely map areas of disrupted neural activity.

This allows us to deliver highly targeted stimulation where your brain needs it most, improving clarity, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.

Research Supporting TMS Therapy for Hydrocephalus

While research on TMS specifically for hydrocephalus is still emerging, existing studies show encouraging results for using TMS to improve symptoms associated with impaired brain connectivity, which is common in individuals with hydrocephalus.

A 2014 evidence-based review published in Clinical Neurophysiology found that repetitive TMS can improve neurological and cognitive function by stimulating underactive brain regions and enhancing plasticity in patients with a range of disorders involving brain circuit dysfunction.

At Neurotherapeutix, we build on this research using fMRI-guided TMS, which allows us to pinpoint impaired networks associated with hydrocephalus and deliver personalized, non-invasive care that supports long-term brain recovery.

What to Expect During TMS Therapy

At Neurotherapeutix, your care begins with advanced brain imaging.

We use functional MRI (fMRI) to map your brain and identify specific regions affected by hydrocephalus-related neural disruption. From there, we build a customized TMS protocol tailored to your brain’s unique activity patterns.

Each session is:

• Non-invasive and pain-free.
  
• Conducted in-office by experienced clinical providers.
  
• Approximately 20–30 minutes long.
  
• Scheduled several times per week based on your treatment plan.

You’ll be comfortably seated during treatment, and many patients report feeling more clear-headed, calm, or focused as therapy progresses.

Your care team will monitor your symptoms, track improvements, and make adjustments as needed.

Symptoms That May Improve with TMS Therapy

fMRI-guided TMS therapy has shown promise in relieving symptoms often associated with hydrocephalus, especially after surgical or medical intervention.

You may notice improvements in:

• Cognitive fog or memory lapses.
  
• Emotional regulation, including symptoms of depression or anxiety.
  
• Sleep quality.
  
• Fatigue and mental stamina.
  
• Motivation and daily function.
  
• Sensory sensitivity or light/sound intolerance.

By targeting affected neural networks, fMRI-guided TMS therapy may support better communication between brain regions and promote functional recovery.

Is TMS the Right Choice for You?

You may be a good candidate for fMRI-guided TMS therapy at Neurotherapeutix if you:

• Have been diagnosed with hydrocephalus (either acquired or congenital).
  
• Experience lingering neurological or cognitive symptoms.
  
• Have completed surgical treatment (such as shunt placement) but still struggle with recovery.
  
• Want a drug-free, non-invasive therapy to support brain function.
  
• Are looking for a personalized, data-driven approach to care.

Our team will conduct a thorough evaluation and review your imaging to determine whether TMS is a suitable option for your goals.

Connect with Hydrocephalus Experts in NYC

Living with hydrocephalus can be challenging, but you don’t have to manage it alone.

At Neurotherapeutix, we combine advanced brain mapping technology with individualized TMS therapy to help clients improve cognitive performance, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

Whether you’re navigating life after surgery or looking for additional support, our team is here to help.

Request an appointment today or contact us to learn more about hydrocephalus treatment options in New York City.