HYDROCEPHALUS

Hydrocephalus remains a surgically treated condition which is due to either inadequate cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) re-absorption, blockage of flow, or rarely overproduction. The underlying etiology of this condition is either a congenital or acquired disorder.

Although we do participate in a limited role at Children’s Hospital in the treatment of congenital hydrocephalus, the bulk of our experience encompasses the adult population. Typically adult hydrocephalus occurs in the aftermath of head trauma or intracranial bleeding due to aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, or stroke. Alternatively, certain types of tumors can cause CSF overflow from the brain.

Increasing excitement has more recently been directed toward the detection and treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). In particular the increasingly aged American population has become more exposed to the travails of dementia. In many cases senile dementia has a devastating progression that ultimately robs a person of their identity. However, NPH represents a subset of patients with dementia whose symptoms can be reversed by surgical intervention. Indeed the neurosurgeons at SDNSI have had particular success in using the new programmable ventriculoperitoneal shunts for treatment of NPH. This technique allows tension within the ventricles of the brain to be dissipated by diversion of CSF from the brain to the abdomen. Any slight adjustments in the performance of the shunt can then easily be made using a pain free transcutaneous telemetry device, obviating the need for any revision surgery.

Helpful outside articles and information:

HYDROCEPHALUS FOUNDATION (support for people with Hydrocephalus)

HYDROCEPHALUS ASSOCIATION (support and education for people with Hydrocephalus)

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE (Information about Hydrocephalus)

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