Early treatment-within a baby's first 3 to 4 months-is important to help limit or prevent brain damage. The long-term effects of congenital hydrocephalus depend largely on the cause of the condition, its severity, and the response to treatment.
Treatment generally consists of surgically inserting a flexible tube (shunt) in the brain to drain the cerebrospinal fluid. The shunt will remain in the brain permanently but may need to be repaired or replaced if a problem develops.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is sometimes performed instead of surgical shunt placement. ETV is a surgical procedure in which a small hole is made in a ventricle in the brain, allowing CSF to flow freely. It is often done when hydrocephalus seems to be a result of a blockage between ventricles. If used as treatment for congenital hydrocephalus, it is more likely to be tried after a shunt malfunction or infection. ETV was once thought to be a permanent solution for redirecting CSF flow, but it has been shown to fail over time. Babies younger than 6 months of age usually are not good candidates for this procedure.
Children with congenital hydrocephalus are at increased risk for developmental disabilities and may require treatment such as speech therapy or physical therapy.
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