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Hydrocephalus

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What is hydrocephalus?

 

Hydrocephalus (hydro=water, cephalus=head) is an abnormal increase of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in the brain.  This can be caused by problems with how the fluid is produced, circulated, or reabsorbed.  As this fluid collects in the brain, intracranial pressure increases.  This increase in pressure causes symptoms.  These symptoms may vary with the age of the patient.  Often they include one or more from the list below.

 

 

  • Headache
  • Feeling sleepy
  • Vomiting
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Irritability
  • Increase in infant’s head size
  • Decrease in appetite
  • “Sunset eyes” (eyes which do not look up)

 

 


 
Treatment for Hydrocephalus

 

To reduce intracranial pressure, a shunt is placed during surgery.  A shunt is a narrow piece of tubing that drains the fluid.  The shunt is placed in the ventricle of the brain.  The fluid will drain to the abdomen.  This is where the fluid will be absorbed by the body. In order to place the shunt, most often only a small amount of hair will be shaved.  First your doctor will first make a small incision in the scalp.  Next a small hole will be made through the skull bone.  A catheter is placed through the hole into the ventricle.  A one-way valve is attached to the catheter and placed under the scalp.  The valve is then attached to the catheter that travels under the skin to the abdomen. This is called a ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt.  A small incision is made in the abdomen where the catheter ends.  The operation will take about two hours.

 

Before surgery

 

  • You will have a pre surgery visit.  This visit includes a health history, physical exam, and blood tests.
  • The night before and the morning of surgery, you will be asked to wash your hair, neck, chest, and abdomen.  You will need to use an antibacterial soap.  You may be given a special soap called HibiclensÒ.
  • You may not drink or eat anything after midnight the night before surgery.
  • You will be called the afternoon before surgery.  At this time you will be told what time you need to arrive at the hospital.  You will also be given the final details about how to get ready for the next day.
  • You will need to sign a consent form that states that you understand what the neurosurgeon explained to you about the procedure.  The consent also states that you know about the risks and benefits of the surgery.

 

 

After surgery

 

There may be mild pain involved with this surgery.  Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or Ibuprofen may be used for this mild pain.  You will spend one night in the hospital.  Once you are eating and drinking and there are no other concerns, your intravenous (IV) line will be removed.  When all of this happens you will be ready to go home. 

 

There may be two dressings in place.  One will be on the head and one on the abdomen.  The dressing and staples stay in place until the follow-up clinic visit in 7 – 10 days.  The dressing should remain clean and dry.  If there is any clear drainage from the incision, call the neurosurgery department right away.  After discharge, you may resume your normal routine.  In the future, you will need antibiotics before dental work and other medical procedures.  You should also wait at least two weeks after surgery before getting immunizations.

 

When to call the neurosurgeon or nurse practitioner

 

Sometimes a shunt does not work because it becomes clogged or disconnected.  It also may not work if it becomes infected.  If this happens, you may notice any of these signs and symptoms.

 

·   Redness, pain or swelling of the skin along the length of the shunt, or at the incision sites

·   Drainage from the incision

·   Fever greater than 101.5°F within the first six months of surgery

·   Irritability

·   Excessive sleepiness

·   Nausea or vomiting

·   Recurring headaches

·   Blurred or double vision

·   Loss of appetite

·   Sudden or gradual change in personality

·   Rubbing of the head

·   Listless

·   Weakness

·   Balance or coordination problems

·   Sunset eyes

 

If at any time you have a question or a concern, call your doctor’s office.

 

Phone Numbers

 

Department of Neurosurgery (questions and concerns)  (608) 263-9651.

Pediatric Specialty Clinic (scheduling an appointment)    (608) 263-6420

Neurosurgery Nurses                                                   (608) 262-2761

 

If you live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942.

 

 


Spanish version is #5972

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 12/08/2010

Copyright © 05/20/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5258

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