Hydrocephalus: An Invisible Condition

AI Summary

Hydrocephalus is a common paediatric neurosurgical condition with varied causes, usually treated with shunt or endoscopic third ventriculostomy.
Both shunts and endoscopic third ventriculostomy have high failure rates, often requiring multiple surgeries and ongoing medical monitoring.
Hydrocephalus causes physical, learning and mental health challenges that affect school success; school nurses identify complications, support daily management and provide resources to families.

NASN Sch Nurse. 2026 Jul 17:1942602X261465660. doi: 10.1177/1942602X261465660. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Hydrocephalus is a common pediatric neurosurgical condition. The causes of hydrocephalus are varied and treatment typically involves surgical placement of a shunt or an endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Both treatments have a high failure rate, often resulting in multiple surgeries. Hydrocephalus is associated with a number of physical, learning, and mental health challenges that may affect a child’s success at school. School nurses play a pivotal role in identifying and managing medical complications, supporting students in managing day-to-day school life and providing resources to students and their families.

PMID:42464659 | DOI:10.1177/1942602X261465660

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