Question
Head circumference 52 cm, 8 months old, cannot speak, cannot walk independently. Recently diagnosed with hydrocephalus. What should be the treatment approach?
Answer
The treatment of hydrocephalus emphasizes individualization, which means selecting different treatment methods based on the cause, type, and severity of the condition. Most cases require surgical treatment, which may include ventriculoperitoneal shunting. However, postoperative complications such as insufficient shunting, over-shunting, catheter obstruction, and infection are possible. Some hospitals are also capable of performing minimally invasive surgery under endoscopy, which does not require lifelong shunting tubes. For instance, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital has extensive experience in the individualized treatment of hydrocephalus.