What is the treatment for hydrocephalus? 23:49 Jan 22, 2021
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
The goal of treatment is to reduce the pressure inside your baby's head. This can be done by draining the fluid. Your child may need medicine to remove the extra fluid. Some children need surgery.
In surgery, a doctor usually places a mechanical shunting device in your baby’s head. This helps to drain the fluid from your baby’s brain. The fluid is directed to another part of your baby’s body, where it can be absorbed.
The shunt usually runs behind your baby’s ear. The tubing goes under your baby’s skin to the belly (abdomen), heart, or lung. Your baby's healthcare provider will decide the drainage location. This will be based on your baby’s condition, age, and other factors. The belly is generally the first choice. A VP (ventriculoperitoneal) shunt is often used to direct fluid into the abdomen. |