Hydrocephalus Treatment for Children

Hydrocephalus treatment is a procedure undertaken by a neurosurgeon when there is too much fluid present within the spinal cord and/or brain of the patient. In the case of a child experiencing hydrocephalus, a pediatric neurosurgeon will be the medical professional of choice. They are not only qualified to handle various conditions of developing brains, but they are also highly trained in being supportive of both the children and parents throughout the treatment process.

When it comes to hydrocephalus treatment for children, there is a lot to know. While the treatment action might be similar to that of an adult, there is a lot more that goes into the entire process due to the patient's young age. Continue reading to find out more about what to expect.

An overview of hydrocephalus treatment in children

Below is an overview of how a pediatric neurosurgeon typically handles hydrocephalus treatment for children. This information can be helpful for parents to review when preparing for an upcoming appointment or treatment.

What is involved in hydrocephalus treatment?

There are a couple of ways that a pediatric neurosurgeon might choose to treat hydrocephalus in children. The patient's specific condition will determine what treatment route is chosen. For example, how much fluid is present, how blocked the flow is, and the age of the patient.

• Placing a shunt: A shunt for hydrocephalus treatment is an extremely thin tube made of silicone. It is placed in order to help bypass any blockages and allow for cerebrospinal fluid to flow better
• Endoscopic third ventriculostomy: This procedure is a method that differs in the sense that a small opening is used to bypass the existing blockage so that the flow can be restored endoscopically

After an initial evaluation of the hydrocephalus, the pediatric neurosurgeon will make a determination of what treatment route is most suitable. From there, it will be discussed with the parents, so that they may know what to expect regarding the timeline, recovery, and life after treatment.

Things to expect

When it comes to hydrocephalus treatment, is important for parents to understand a few things. First and foremost, the entire process will be grueling. The timeline is not quick and even though pediatric neurosurgeons work diligently to treat the condition, it is still important to understand that good results take time. Whatever treatment route is chosen will involve an intensive recovery process, requiring parents to be extra attentive. Follow-up appointments cannot be skipped as this ensures that the wound is healing properly.

Ready to schedule an appointment for your child?

Parents who are feeling uneasy about hydrocephalus treatment for their children can go through a personalized consultation appointment. This type of appointment allows any questions or concerns to be addressed, and a thorough evaluation can be performed to determine any specifics that need to be noted. Additionally, the pediatric neurosurgeon can offer the parent and child certain resources to make the entire process a bit easier.

To find out more about hydrocephalus treatment and what might be involved, reach out to our office today.

Get more information here: https://www.drloudonpediatricneurosurgery.com or call Dr. William G. Loudon, Pediatric Neurosurgery at (714) 677-9463

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