An Overview of Hydrocephalus Treatment
- Shunt placement
- Third ventriculostomy.
Shunt Placement
The hydrocephalus treatment of choice is the surgical placement of a hydrocephalus shunt system. This system diverts the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a site within the central nervous system (CNS) to another area of the body where it can be absorbed as part of the circulatory process.
Third Ventriculostomy
For a limited number of patients, hydrocephalus treatment can be performed using an alternative procedure called third ventriculostomy. In this hydrocephalus treatment, a neuroendoscope -- a small camera designed to visualize small and difficult-to-reach surgical areas -- allows a doctor to view the ventricular surface using fiber optic technology. The scope is guided into position so that a small hole can be made in the floor of the third ventricle, allowing the CSF to bypass the obstruction and flow toward the site of resorption around the surface of the brain.
Hydrocephalus Treatment and Prognosis
The prognosis for patients diagnosed with hydrocephalus is difficult to predict, although there is some correlation between the specific cause of hydrocephalus and the patient's outcome.
Hydrocephalus treatment by an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and educational experts is critical to a positive outcome. Many children diagnosed with hydrocephalus benefit from rehabilitation therapies and educational interventions, and go on to lead normal lives with few limitations.
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