Hydrocephalus: From Diagnosis to Treatment

This monograph is comprised of seven chapters, each of which discusses hydrocephalus, a chronic neurological condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within cavities of the brain. Chapter One provides an overview of hydrocephalus and points out current limitations of understanding this condition. Chapter Two details treatment options for hydrocephalus, including the traditional use of surgery for placement of a shunt as well as more experimental methods. Chapter Three describes an alternate procedure for treating hydrocephalus, called endoscopic third ventriculostomy, which entails creating an opening on the floor of the third ventricle instead of implanting foreign material. Chapter Four also provides information about endoscopic third ventriculostomy, including factors influencing the success rate of the procedure. Chapter Five describes various surgical methods for treating hydrocephalus in children. Chapter Six concerns the technique of neuroendoscopic lavage, which enables a partial or complete hematoma evacuation in addition to haematocephalus washing. Lastly, Chapter Seven details the rehabilitation process for patients who have undergone surgery for hydrocephalus.