Brain surgery always entails some risk, but shunts have been used to treat hydrocephalus for more than 50 years. A neurosurgeon places the shunt, usually in less than an hour. Most people go home less than a week after surgery, ready to embrace a full, normal life.

Is It Right for You?

In order to determine whether a shunt is right for you or your family member, your healthcare team will use one or more of a variety of possible diagnostic tests.

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Your Healthcare Team

You’ll work with a variety of healthcare professionals as you pursue shunt therapy for treating hydrocephalus.

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Surgery: What to Expect

Your healthcare team will walk you through the surgical process, which includes important steps before, during, and after the procedure to implant a shunt.

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Questions and Answers

We’ve provided answers here to some of the most common questions about shunt therapy for hydrocephalus.

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Next: Is It Right for You?