Hydrocephalus | Motor Vehicle Accident – Traumatic Brain Injury

by | May 2, 2023 | SSA Case Study Examples of Hearings and Outcomes

46-Year-Old Male from Butlerville, Indiana was involved in a motor vehicle accident in which he suffered a traumatic brain injury, which later resulted in Post-traumatic Hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus - Traumatic Brain Injury

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder which is caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles (cavities) deep within the brain.

This excess fluid causes the ventricles to widen, putting harmful pressure on the brain’s tissues. A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was surgically placed to help drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to decrease absorption of the fluid accumulated by the hydrocephalus.

As a result of the hydrocephalus, the claimant has had multiple brain surgeries. He testified he initially had the ventriculostomy procedures following the accident, but since it did not work, he had a second procedure. After the second surgical procedure, he testified that his headaches continued and were so severe he eventually had a revision VP shunt replacement.

These surgical procedures have caused the claimant severe dizziness, double vision, nausea, and loss of balance resulting in several falls. In addition, the claimant must avoid several environmental conditions to avoid adjusting the magnetic VP valve.

Based on the ongoing medical problems it was proven the claimant is, at this time, unable to perform a full range of work activity and was awarded his disability benefits by the Administrative Law Judge.