Hydrocephalus / NPH

Hydrocephalus

It means an accumulation of fluid within the brain, and a concomittent rise in pressure within the head. Some of the more common causes of hydrocephalus include aqueduct stenosis, normal pressure hydrocephalus, hydrocephalus secondary to haemorrhage or infection, benign intracranial hypertension and Arnold Chiari malformation. Hydrocephalus can be investigated by a variety of means, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to look at the ventricles within the head. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, treatment may involve diverting the excess fluid from the brain to the abdomen by implanting a device called a  VP SHUNT( Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt). These consist of a silicone tube, the flow along which is controlled by a valve. There are many different varieties of these, some of which can have the valve's pressure setting externally adjusted by the treating consultant using an electromagnet. Some types of hydrocephalus may be amenable to treatment with a neuro endoscope to create a drainage passage for the fluid within the brain itself. More detail on hydrocephalus and ventriculo-peritoneal shunts can be found under the special topics menu.

RESULTS
The results of  VP Shunt surgery are excellent.