How is Hydrocephalus Treated?
Treatment for hydrocephalus varies depending on the form and severity of the condition. In some cases, hydrocephalus is temporary or does not produce symptoms, meaning that no specific intervention is necessary. However, the majority of cases require medical attention, and treatment is most often surgical in nature.
Although drugs have been used historically in the management of hydrocephalus, they are not frequently successful and may result in unpleasant side effects. Therefore, pharmacological approaches are not commonly recommended as a primary treatment.
It is also important to note that some children and adults with hydrocephalus may develop seizures. For further information on epilepsy and its treatment, please consult the Epilepsy Action website: www.epilepsy.org.uk
A shunt is the most commonly used way of controlling the high pressure inside the head caused by hydrocephalus. It diverts CSF from the ventricles or other CSF-filled spaces to be absorbed in another area of the body.
Shunts are thin tubes that drain CSF from a space where it is collecting, to be absorbed in another part of the body.
Nearly all ventricular shunts have a valve in the ‘neck’ area of the tubing, which opens when the pressure in the head reaches a certain level. These can be fixed pressure, adjustable pressure (programmable), or dual pressure (gravitational). Gravitational shunts can also be programmable. The shunt itself is made from silicon, a strong, long-lasting and inert substance that very few people are allergic to.
To read how living with Hydrocephalus impacted our family, read my book, Marc’s Garden.
