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Hydrocephalus in Children

Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition that causes buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (brain fluid), that causes increased pressure on the brain. Often, pediatric hydrocephalus must be treated with surgical intervention. Our pediatric neurosurgeons use advanced imaging to develop a surgical plan that is best suited for each individual child.

Our pediatric neurosurgeons are experts in treating children with hydrocephalus from diagnosis and surgical intervention, to short and long-term follow up care. Many children with hydrocephalus who are diagnosed and treated early, are able to live normal lives.

Surgical Hydrocephalus Treatment

If a child is diagnosed with hydrocephalus, early treatment is crucial. There are two major types of surgery options to treat hydrocephalus:

  1. Endoscopic treatment of hydrocephalus is a surgical treatment that helps children absorb their own brain fluid without needing to implant a shunt. The procedure usually involves an incision at the base of the brain, to reduce the choroid plexus, which makes the brain fluid, to reduce fluid on the brain. This procedure eliminates the need for a surgical shunt.
  2. Another treatment option for hydrocephalus is inserting a shunt, which is tubing that runs under the skin, to redirect cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to another area of the body. This kind of surgical treatment will relieve pressure on the brain, but will likely need more surgery to fix future blockages throughout a child’s life.

Pediatric Hydrocephalus in Infant Relieved by Specialized Surgery

Rhys's Story - video


We offer pediatric neurosurgery clinics in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Wilmington. Visit our pediatric neurosurgery clinic locations page for the clinic or hospital nearest you or call 984-974-4175 to schedule an appointment.

UNC Neurosurgery also offers hydrocephalus treatment for adult patients.