Adult Hydrocephalus

​Treatment depends mostly on the type of hydrocephalus and the patient's condition.

• External Ventricular Drain (EVD)
  A drain is temporarily inserted to remove excess CSF and reduce brain pressure.
• Shunt
  A permanent tube (shunt) may be inserted to direct CSF from the brain to other parts of the body like the abdomen for absorption (Figure 2).
  Though uncommon, shunt complications include:
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Stroke
  • Shunt malfunction
  • Flow obstruction
  • Over or under-draining of CSF
  
  Generally, patients are on long-term monitoring but can go about their daily activities.
  
  Figure 2: A shunt inserted to direct CSF from the brain to the abdomen
• Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)
  Procedure to open a path in the brain cavities for CSF to flow.