Hydrocephalus is a common neurological disease caused by imbalance in the production and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or obstruction of its circulation pathways. The etiology of the disease is complex, often accompanied by a variety of complication. In recent years, hydrocephalus has been intensively studied. In this paper, the etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus in study on traditional Chinese and western medicine treatment were reviewed in order to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus in the future.