Neurológia pre prax 4/2016

Management and therapy of pediatric hydrocephalus

Pediatric hydrocephalus is a pathophysiology condition which can negatively influence the development of the child permanently. It is most commonly caused by congenital defects and by intraventricular haemorrhage at premature infants. Diagnostics and treatment vary from adult patients in some areas. That is caused by physical parameters of the child in the time of treatment and subsequent growth and development. We always try to avoid diagnostic methods which use ionizing radiation due to its negative impact on developing brain. For surgical solution we use neuroendoscopy for obstructive hydrocephalus and shunt surgery for communicating hydrocephalus. For complex hydrocephalus we use combination of both methods. In case of well-timed and adequate treatment the child suffering from hydrocephalus can develop normally.

Keywords: pediatric hydrocephalus, neuroendoscopy, shunt surgery, electromagnetic navigation