hydrocephalus

• results from an imbalance in the production and absorption of CSF
• CSF accumulates within the ventricular system and causes the ventricles to enlarge and increases in ICP to occur
• can be congenital or acquired
• non-comunicating and communicating
• s/s: budging fontanelle, papilledema, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, headache
• treatment: ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter is placed in an enlarged ventricle
• shunt diverts flow of CSF within the central nervous system to the peritoneum, where CSF is now absorbed across the peritoneal membrane into the body circulation
• s/s of shunt infection:

  • elevated vital signs
  • poor feeding
  • vomiting
  • decreased responsiveness
  • seizure activity
  • signs of local inflammation along the shunt tract
• s/s of shunt malfunction:

  • vomiting
  • drowsiness
  • headache