Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
04:12
Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats
Published on: March 28, 2025
Hydrocephalus during natalizumab treatment
Chiara Zecca1, Claudio Städler, Claudio Gobbi
1Servizio Cantonale di Neurologia, Ospedale Civico, via Tesserete 46, 6903, Lugano, Switzerland. chiara.zecca@eoc.ch
Summary
Natalizumab, a multiple sclerosis drug, may trigger acute hydrocephalus. Neurologists should monitor patients for this rare but serious side effect, especially those with a history of cranial nerve Schwannoma.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody used for multiple sclerosis (MS).
- While effective, natalizumab carries risks like progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
- Prolonged natalizumab use may reveal other adverse effects.
Observation:
- A multiple sclerosis patient developed acute tetra-ventricular hydrocephalus.
- This occurred shortly after initiating natalizumab treatment.
- The patient had a history of VIII cranial nerve Schwannoma treated with radiosurgery.
Findings:
- A temporal link suggests natalizumab may have triggered hydrocephalus.
- This adverse event is potentially linked to natalizumab's immunomodulatory effects.
- The patient's prior cranial nerve Schwannoma might be a risk factor.
Implications:
- Neurologists must consider hydrocephalus as a potential natalizumab complication.
- Awareness is crucial for early detection in susceptible MS patients.
- Further investigation into natalizumab-induced hydrocephalus is warranted.
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