A shunt valve is used in a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt to treat hydrocephalus. The valve regulates the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain to other parts of the body. There are two types of shunt valves: adjustable and fixed pressure. The neurosurgeon chooses which type based on the patient’s condition. Symptoms of excessive or insufficient drainage include headache, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
A shunt valve is part of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt used to treat conditions such as hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition involving an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the clear fluid that circulates around the brain and spinal cord, within the skull. High amounts of fluid in the narrow confines of the skull can increase pressure within the head and cause compression of the brain. Insertion of a VP shunt is usually necessary to relieve this pressure by draining excess fluid in the brain to other sites in the body. The presence of the shunt valve allows for the regulation of the amount of cerebrospinal fluid shunted from the brain.
Neurosurgeons are doctors who usually perform surgery on the brain. Pediatric neurosurgeons are mostly those who operate on pediatric cases, such as children with congenital hydrocephalus. Congenital hydrocephalus is often seen during birth and affected babies often present with an enlarged head. This may be due to infections acquired by the mother during pregnancy.
The neurosurgeon often operates on the brain to place the shunt, which is made up of the shunt valve and two thin tubes or catheters. One of the hoses is implanted in the patient’s brain and the other is placed in the heart chamber, abdominal cavity or spaces around the lungs. A shunt valve, which is attached to the two tubes, is usually placed behind the patient’s ear. As fluid continues to build up in the brain, pressure builds inside. The valve will then open to drain excess fluid to the other site.
There are two types of hydrocephalus shunt valves that are most commonly used. One is adjustable pressure diverter valve and the other is fixed pressure diverter valve. The adjustable type allows the neurosurgeon to adjust pressure settings without the need for another surgical procedure. With the fixed pressure shunt valve, the pressure settings are set by the neurosurgeon during shunt implantation.
The neurosurgeon chooses which type of diverter valve according to the type of hydrocephalus and the patient’s general health condition. These diverter valves are designed to regulate the flow of CSF and prevent excessive or insufficient drainage. When excessive fluid drainage occurs, the patient may experience several symptoms such as headache that worsens on standing, nausea and vomiting, double vision, and drowsiness. On the other hand, if the excess CSF is under drained, the brain will not be relieved from being compressed and the patient will have periodic headaches, impaired mental function, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting.
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