Treatment Options for Hydrocephalus
Some forms of hydrocephalus do not require any specific intervention, as they may be temporary or resolve without the need for long-term management. However, in most cases, treatment is necessary and is typically surgical in nature.
Use of Shunts
The most widely used method for managing the increased pressure inside the head caused by hydrocephalus is the insertion of a shunt. A shunt diverts cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain’s ventricles, or other CSF-filled spaces, to another part of the body where it can be safely absorbed.
Shunts are slender tubes designed to drain excess CSF from areas where it is accumulating, redirecting the fluid to be reabsorbed elsewhere in the body.
Shunt Mechanism and Types
Nearly all ventricular shunts include a valve, typically positioned in the ‘neck’ section of the tubing. This valve opens when the pressure in the head reaches a specific threshold, allowing CSF to drain. The valves may be fixed pressure, adjustable pressure (programmable), or dual pressure (gravitational), depending on individual patient needs.
Shunt Materials and Infection Prevention
Shunts are constructed from silicon, a material that is strong, durable, and inert, with a very low rate of allergic reaction. Bactiseal shunts are available and can help to reduce the risk of infection following surgery.
https://www.shinecharity.org.uk/hydrocephalus/hydrocephalus
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