Hydrocephalus and Shunt Evaluation

doi:10.1017/9781316338513.023

Chapter 23 - Hydrocephalus and Shunt Evaluation

from Section 3 - Specific Neurological Disorders in Emergency Medicine

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 January 2024

Alexander K. Yu and

Edited by

Thomas P. Campbell and

Kevin M. Kelly

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Thomas P. Campbell: Affiliation:
Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh
Kevin M. Kelly: Affiliation:
Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh

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Summary

Hydrocephalus is an extremely common neurological condition encountered in the emergency department (ED). The condition is characterized by symptomatic inability to drain or resorb CSF, resulting in pressure build-up within the brain. Hydrocephalus can result from both congenital and acquired etiologies, many of which can respond to shunting. The symptoms of hydrocephalus are classically due to an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP); however, normal- or low-pressure variants can occur. Hydrocephalus can result from a blockage within the ventricular system (“obstructive”) or outside the ventricular system (“communicating”), thereby impairing CSF absorption into the cerebral venous sinuses. Hydrocephalus may also be caused by failure of CSF to be absorbed secondary to abnormalities in the brain parenchyma itself.

Keywords

congenital acquired programmable valve setting Parinaud’s syndrome fontanelle occipital frontal circumference (OFC) hydrocephalus shunt evaluation

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Type: Chapter
Information: Handbook of Emergency Neurology , pp. 334 - 345

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316338513.023 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2023

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