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Chapter-030 Hydrocephalus and Shunts

BOOK TITLE: Textbook of Contemporary Neurosurgery (2 Volumes)

Author
1. Balasubramaniam Chidambaram
ISBN
9789350252390
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/11681_30
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2012
Pages
19
Author Affiliations
1. Childs Trust Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Chapter keywords

Abstract

This chapter focuses on pathophysiology and management of hydrocephalus with shunts. Hydrocephalus has been known since ancient time. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the cerebrum due to a disturbance of formation, flow or absorption of CSF. Cerebral atrophy and focal destructive lesions also lead loss of cerebral tissue that leaves a vacant space that is filled passively with CSF. Such conditions are not the result of a hydrodynamic disorder and therefore are not classified as hydrocephalus. In the past, they were described as ‘hydrocephalus ex vacuo’ which is a misnomer. Although a number of adjectives are used to describe hydrocephalus in this chapter. Dandy’s terms ‘communicating and non-communicating’ hydrocephalus are widely used in the current literature. The exact incidence of hydrocephalus in the general population is unknown. The occurrence in association with various syndromes affecting parts other than the nervous system and inclusion of acquired causes make determination of the exact incidence difficult. The incidence is approximately 3-4 per 1,000 live births. The incidence of human hydrocephalus presents a bimodal curve, with one peak in infancy, related to the various forms of congenital malformations, and another peak during the adult stage, mostly related to so called normal pressure hydrocephalus, represents approximately 40% of the total cases of hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus can occur as a “single anomaly” or as a part of a syndrome. This chapter focuses on pathophysiology and management of hydrocephalus with shunts.

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