I was born in June of 1964 with congenital hydrocephalus. VA shunt in August of that year. Two revisions in 1966, third and final revision (so far) in 1973. In 1977 dx d with arrested hydrocephalus. Was told to wait and see what happens in 1977. Been waiting and seeing ever since. Likelihood of needing a new shunt or revision?
Congenital hydrocephalus is a condition where there is increase brain fluid as you might be aware and this needs to be drained properly using surgical placement of shunts. As you have had shunt surgeries many years back, it will help to see the present situation of the hydrocephalus by doing a brain scan. Since there was arrested hydrocephalus that happens due to aqueductal stenosis, in 1977 which was 37 years back, it is important to know the developments in recent years.
There are 3 methods presently to treat arrested hydrocephalus Monitoring Performing an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) Implanting a shunt
If you have been monitored for 37 years and there is no sudden development of changes or increase in clinical symptoms then there is no need of doing endoscopic thid ventriculostomy or revision of shunt.
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Suggest Treatment For Congenital Hydrocephalus
Hi, Thanks for writing in. Congenital hydrocephalus is a condition where there is increase brain fluid as you might be aware and this needs to be drained properly using surgical placement of shunts. As you have had shunt surgeries many years back, it will help to see the present situation of the hydrocephalus by doing a brain scan. Since there was arrested hydrocephalus that happens due to aqueductal stenosis, in 1977 which was 37 years back, it is important to know the developments in recent years. There are 3 methods presently to treat arrested hydrocephalus Monitoring Performing an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) Implanting a shunt If you have been monitored for 37 years and there is no sudden development of changes or increase in clinical symptoms then there is no need of doing endoscopic thid ventriculostomy or revision of shunt.