Therapy options

Without treatment, a hydrocephalus can be life-threatening. The therapy depends on the underlying cause of the hydrocephalus. In the case of an outflow disorder, an attempt is made to eliminate the cause directly by surgery.

This can be a tumor or a clumping in the outflow area. Furthermore, there are various surgical options for the treatment of hydrocephalus. One variant is a bypass, which is inserted into the cavity system of the brain with an endoscope.

This can also only be used if the drainage paths are blocked. The second possibility is the creation of a shunt. This is a tube system that drains the cerebral fluid directly into the abdominal cavity or the heart.

This can also be used in case of an overproduction of cerebral fluid. Cavity drainage is also suitable as a short-term solution. In this case, brain water is removed in case of acute drainage disorders.

However, this is only a short-acting emergency solution. Drugs to reduce the production of cerebral fluid are not yet available. The shunt is a surgical option for the long-term treatment of hydrocephalus, which is caused by overproduction or incorrect intake of cerebral fluid.

Since there is too much cerebral fluid in the ventricle system of the brain, a strong pressure is exerted on the brain. This pressure can be reduced by artificially withdrawing cerebral fluid. The shunt consists of several tubes and valves.

A tube is inserted into the cavity system of the brain. A valve is located at the end of the tube to regulate the outflow. Without this valve, all the cerebral fluid would be drained off, which is necessary for brain function.

Another tube is located in the abdominal cavity or the heart. Here the cerebral fluid, which is produced too much, is drained off and absorbed by the body. Various complications are possible with the creation of a shunt.

One possible complication is a defective valve, which can lead to too little or too much brain water being drained off. Furthermore, infections are possible due to the material foreign to the body. If such an infection occurs, the shunt must be removed.

A hydrocephalus can be curable or incurable, depending on the cause. In the case of an outflow disorder, a complete cure may be possible through surgery. In other cases, however, it is due to overproduction or poor reabsorption of cerebral water.

In many cases this is not curable permanently. This can be remedied by a shunt. Those affected have to go for regular check-ups and usually wear this shunt system their whole life.The late effects can be limited or completely prevented, but this is not a complete cure.