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Chapter 23 - Hydrocephalus and Shunt Evaluation
from Section 3 - Specific Neurological Disorders in Emergency Medicine
- By Kristen Stabingas, Diana J. Jho, Raj Nangunoori, Alexander K. Yu, Jody Leonardo
Edited by Thomas P. Campbell, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Kevin M. Kelly, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh
Book:

Handbook of Emergency Neurology

Published online:

10 January 2024

Print publication:

17 August 2023, pp 334-345
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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.