Holly
09-28-2007, 06:54 PM
Some forms of hydrocephalus require no specific treatment. Other forms are temporary and do not require long-term treatment. However, most forms do require to be treated, and this is usually done surgically. Drugs have been used for many years but they may have unpleasant side effects and are not always successful.
The usual treatment is to insert a shunting device. It is important to note that this does not 'cure' the hydrocephalus and damage to the brain tissue remains. Shunting controls the pressure by draining excess CSF, so preventing the condition becoming worse. Symptoms caused by raised pressure usually improve but other problems of brain damage can remain. Increasingly an operation called Third Ventriculostomy is being performed in specialist units.
http://www.fortunecity.com/millenium/plumpton/268/sb.htm
The usual treatment is to insert a shunting device. It is important to note that this does not 'cure' the hydrocephalus and damage to the brain tissue remains. Shunting controls the pressure by draining excess CSF, so preventing the condition becoming worse. Symptoms caused by raised pressure usually improve but other problems of brain damage can remain. Increasingly an operation called Third Ventriculostomy is being performed in specialist units.
http://www.fortunecity.com/millenium/plumpton/268/sb.htm