A Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt is a medical device that relieves pressure on the brain caused by fluid accumulation.
VP shunting is a surgical procedure that primarily treats a condition called hydrocephalus. This condition occurs when excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collects in the brain's ventricles. CSF cushions your brain and protects it from injury inside your skull. The fluid acts as a delivery system for nutrients that your brain needs, and it also takes away waste products. Normally, CSF flows through these ventricles to the base of the brain. The fluid then bathes the brain and spinal cord before it's reabsorbed into the blood.
When this normal flow is disrupted, the buildup of fluid can create harmful pressure on the brain's tissues, which can damage the brain. Doctors surgically place VP shunts inside one of the brain's ventricles to divert fluid away from the brain and restore normal flow and absorption of CSF.
How It Works
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Excess fluid can build up around the brain for a number of reasons, including:
-Overproduction of CSF
-Poor absorption of CSF by the blood vessels
-Blockages preventing fluid from flowing throughout the brain
-Blockages are the most common cause of hydrocephalus. Cysts, tumors, or inflammation in the brain can impede the normal flow of CSF and create an unsafe accumulation.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus can include:
-Large head size
-Headaches
-Seizures
-Irritability
-Excessive sleepiness
-Incontinence
-Poor appetite
-Cognitive delays or regression
-Memory loss
-Poor coordination
-Impaired vision
Imaging tests can confirm the diagnosis of hydrocephalus. Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans allow doctors to view the cavities and tissues within the brain. Testing will show if areas of the brain contain more fluid than normal.