Question 1

are there any options other than a shunt to help with hydrocephalus ?

Accepted Answer

Possibly.: Hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage in cerebrospinal fluid flow. Depending on exactly where the blockage is, it might be amenable to an endoscopic 3rd ventriculostomy, where a small hole is punctured in the floor of the third ventricle to relieve the blockage. No external shunt is needed in these cases. If the blockage is in the wrong area however, this will not work.

Question 2

an etv or a vp shunt for obstructive hydrocephalus due to congenital aqueductal stenosis in a young adult: which is the most effective option?

Accepted Answer

: The sought outcome is to decompress the intracranial pressure due to the aqueductal obstruction.  Varying neurosurgeons will favor different devices manufactured by several companies.  There is no solitary "most effective option", as many variables must be considered.  Suggest at least two opinions prior to your procedure.

Question 3

how does a shunt work to treat hydrocephalus?

Accepted Answer

Relieves csf: A shunt diverts CSF that is accumulating in the spaces of the brain called ventricles to the abdominal space. Normally the CSF which is produced in the ventricles exists through small pores in the ventricles to circulate the brain and down the spinal cord. If those pores are blocked or the CSF can not drain to the spinal cord, then it accumulates in the ventricles and decrease brain tissue.

Question 4

can a child stop needing a shunt for hydrocephalus?

Accepted Answer

Possible: It is possible for the hydrocephaly to slowly resolve and not re-occur. It certainly depends what caused the hydrocephaly in the first place. It is more common to slowly resolve if it was caused by a blled in the brain when the baby was premature. Less likely if the cuase is a physical restriction of the flow of CSF as in dandy-walker cyst or arnold chiari defect.

Question 5

how dangerous is having a shunt put in for hydrocephalus?

Accepted Answer

Common procedure: While untoward outcomes may occur with any surgery, shunt placement is one of the most commonly performed neurosurgical procedures. The surgery entails passing a tube or catheter into the brain. Another catheter is passed under the scalp and skin and into the abdomen. Joining the two catheters is a pressure regulatory valve.  This serves to divert fluid into the abdomen where it can be absorbed.

Question 6

how do you take care of a child with a shunt for hydrocephalus?

Accepted Answer

Normally: As long as the shunt functions well, ther essentially is nothing that needs done other than to treat your child normally, with perhaps some care to avoid situations where there may be head trauma.

Question 7

are there tests to see if i still have hydrocephalus? i have a shunt.

Accepted Answer

CT &amp; Neuro tests: Generally, hydrocephalus poses specific neurologic signs &amp; symptoms (Sx), which lead 2 testing. Dilated ventricles (fluid sacs in brain) can b seen on CT scan. U may have "frozen ventricle" meaning an abnormal CT scan w/o Sx; or shunt malfunction w/ Sx. If u r having symptoms like when u were 1st diagnosed, TTY neurologist, who can perform specific neurologic tests (tandem walk, etc.) 4 diagnosis.

Question 8

how should you know if there is a problem with a hydrocephalus shunt?

Accepted Answer

Many different thing: Shunt malfunction may cause neurologic symptoms, such as headaches or sometimes seizures. A ct scan will usually show recurrent hydrocephalus in cases of shunt malfunction, but this may take some time to occur. It is important to have old studies for comparison.

Question 9

what's are the difference between the three available programmable shunts commonly used to treat hydrocephalus?

Accepted Answer

Several Differences: Several differences exist. One the number of pressure settings, available to program, another is the ability to tolerate exposure to mri.  Finally, the ability to 'virtually shut the device off' by using a high pressure setting is another feature present that may or may not be present in a given device.
Disclosure: i work for one of the companies that make these devices.

Question 10

do vp shunts stop headaches in hydrocephalus patients?

Accepted Answer

: If the headache is secondary to the increased intracranial pressure solely, it would be quite likely that the shunt would relieve headache pain.

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Doctor answers about:

Are there any options other than a shunt to help with hydrocephalus

A member asked:

Are there any options other than a shunt to help with hydrocephalus ?

A member asked:

An etv or a vp shunt for obstructive hydrocephalus due to congenital aqueductal stenosis in a young adult: which is the most effective option?

A member asked:

How does a shunt work to treat hydrocephalus?

A member asked:

Can a child stop needing a shunt for hydrocephalus?

A member asked:

How dangerous is having a shunt put in for hydrocephalus?

A member asked:

How do you take care of a child with a shunt for hydrocephalus?

A member asked:

Are there tests to see if i still have hydrocephalus? i have a shunt.

A member asked:

How should you know if there is a problem with a hydrocephalus shunt?

A member asked:

What's are the difference between the three available programmable shunts commonly used to treat hydrocephalus?

A member asked:

Do vp shunts stop headaches in hydrocephalus patients?

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