Does it hurt? Hydrocephalus and the headaches associated with it (Part 2 of 2)

III. Why are hydrocephalus-related headaches difficult to diagnose and treat

According to Dr. Rick Abbott (Beth Israel Hospital), Dr. Fred Epstein, and Dr. Jeffrey H. Wisoff (New York University Medical Center) the difficulty in diagnosing and treating headaches associated with hydrocephalus is due to the fact that, in many cases, there has been no change in ventricular size and the headache(s) are more chronic, non-progressive nature. This can be the result of intracranial hypotension (negative pressure within the brain cavity often seen following a shunt implant) or intracranial hypertension (positive (or elevated pressure within the brain cavity). In such cases, medical professionals recommend the use of Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring where the patient is hospitalized for 24 - 48 hours and the ICP is continuously monitored. During this time he/she is alert and active so that the pressure(s) recorded is relative to both body position as well as activity. If pressure changes can be correlated with the patient's symptomatology, the shunt can be revised to either a higher or lower pressure valve.

IV. Conclusion

As I have stated in previous blogs, hydrocephalus is not a disease (emphasis added), it is caused by the brain reacting to a blockage. Currently placement of a shunt device is the only way to control a blockage. It should be noted, however, that approximately fifty percent (50%) of those treated with a shunt will require a revision or revisions during their lifetime.