TAMPA, Fla. — Hydrocephalus is a disease that can affect babies, the elderly, and everyone in between. 

What You Need To Know

  • Pediatric Neurosurgeon and  Johns Hopkins Fellow, Dr. Myron Rolle, spoke to hundreds of people at the Hydrocephalus Association's National Conference on Hydrocephalus as a keynote speaker

  • According to the Hydrocephalus Association, there is no way to prevent the disease and the only known treatment requires brain surgery

  • Hydrocephalus can appear at any age

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder "caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles (cavities) deep within the brain."

The disease can be present shortly after birth, or can result over time from brain damage or injury, the NINDS said.

Pediatric Neurosurgeon and Johns Hopkins Fellow, Dr. Myron Rolle, spoke to hundreds of people at the Hydrocephalus Association's National Conference on Hydrocephalus as a keynote speaker. 

Among those listening was Gianfranco Ciampi, who was diagnosed with hydrocephalus when he was only a month old.

"Hydrocephalus has impacted my life a lot because I couldn't do the things that other people have done," he said.

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Hydrocephalus is a disease that affects more than a million Americans of all ages, but is a condition that the Hydrocephalus Association said many people aren't aware of. 

Ciampi was diagnosed young, but has had surgeries related to his condition for much of his life.

"I was having multiple surgeries a year every year going through the hospitals with different procedures on my head and abdomen," he said. 

Despite his challenges, Ciampi said he has always fought, and graduated from college with a bachelor's degree.

As Rolle was signing books for those like Ciampi, he spoke about his coach at Florida State University who would tell him you have to grow incrementally each day. He said he wants those with the illness to take on that mentality.

"Winning each day is so important for patients who have hydrocephalus, and families," Rolle said. "You know, you can't overcome the disease in one day, you can't overcome the disease in a week. It may take small steps toward getting a sense of normalcy in your life." 

According to the Hydrocephalus Association, there is no way to prevent the disease and the only known treatment requires brain surgery.