How do you drain hydrocephalus?

The most common treatment for hydrocephalus is the surgical insertion of a drainage system, called a shunt. It consists of a long, flexible tube with a valve that keeps fluid from the brain flowing in the right direction and at the proper rate. One end of the tubing is usually placed in one of the brain’s ventricles.

Which drain is used to treat hydrocephalus?

An external ventricular drain (EVD), also known as a ventriculostomy or extraventricular drain, is a device used in neurosurgery to treat hydrocephalus and relieve elevated intracranial pressure when the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside the brain is obstructed.

Where do CSF shunts drain?

The shunt is all inside the body, under the skin. The valve opens when the pressure in the brain gets too high. This lets fluid drain from the brain into the peritoneal space. From there, the extra fluid is absorbed into the bloodstream and filtered out in the kidneys.

How do you drain extra CSF fluid?

The key treatment for hydrocephalus is a shunt. A shunt is a thin tube implanted in the brain to drain away the excess CSF to another part of the body (often the abdominal cavity, the space around the bowel) where it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The CSF is controlled by a valve.

What happens when too much CSF is drained?

It is possible that the puncture of the ventricle or the opening of the dura will result in an intracranial hemorrhage. It is possible that if too much CSF is removed from the ventricles, either during a drainage procedure or when the ventricle is first punctured, the ventricle may collapse and occlude the catheter.

What happens if CSF does not drain properly?

CSF is constantly being made and absorbed by your body. CSF moves through ventricles before it drains out and gets absorbed into your bloodstream. When CSF cannot drain properly, the fluid pressure may cause the ventricles to swell.

How do you treat normal pressure hydrocephalus?

How is normal pressure hydrocephalus treated? A commonly used treatment for NPH is surgery to place a tube, called a shunt, into the brain to drain the excess fluid. The shunt is usually inserted into a ventricle in the brain and then passed under your skin from your head through your neck and chest to your abdomen.

Does normal pressure hydrocephalus go away?

Treatment. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is one of the few causes of dementia that can be controlled or reversed with treatment.

How is a shunt placed?

The neurosurgeon will make two or three small incisions to place the shunt valve (usually above or behind the ear). The catheter will be tunneled under the skin. The end of the catheter will be carefully placed in the appropriate receiving cavity (usually the abdomen).

How is a shunt placed for hydrocephalus?

Shunt insertion Your doctor inserts one end of the tube in your brain and the other end into your chest or abdominal cavity. Excess fluid then drains from the brain and out the other end of the tube, where it can be more easily absorbed. A shunt implant is typically permanent and has to be monitored regularly.

How do you take care of a VP shunt?

How can you care for yourself at home?

Rest when you feel tired.
Do not touch the valve on your head.
It is okay for you to lie on the side of your head with the shunt.
For 6 weeks, do not do any activity that may cause you to hit your head.
You will probably be able to return to work in less than 1 week.

What is normal pressure hydrocephalus in the brain?

Definition Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles, or cavities. It occurs if the normal flow of CSF throughout the brain and spinal cord is blocked in some way. This causes the ventricles to enlarge, putting pressure on the brain.

What is the difference between hydrocephalus and CSF?

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the ventricles (cavities) deep within the brain. This excess fluid causes the ventricles to widen, putting pressure on the brain’s tissues. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the clear, colorless fluid that protects and cushions the brain and spine.

Can CSF drainage and CSF pressure dynamics predict response to shunt in INPH?

We examined the utility of CSF drainage and CSF pressure (Pcsf) dynamics in predicting response to CSF shunting for patients with INPH. Methods: Fifty-one consecutive INPH patients underwent continuous lumbar Pcsf monitoring for 48 hours followed by 72 hours of slow CSF drainage before ventriculoperitoneal shunting.

How is normal pressure hydrocephalus treated?