How is hydrocephalus most commonly managed in this context?

How is hydrocephalus most commonly managed in this context?

• A. Shunt placement with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt preferred
• B. Medication alone
• C. Observation only
• D. External ventricular drainage only

Answer: (A)

Managing hydrocephalus in this context relies on long-term CSF diversion to relieve the pressure from ventricular enlargement. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt is used to continuously drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain’s ventricles into the peritoneal cavity, which helps control intracranial pressure and supports neurodevelopment. This approach is standard because medications alone cannot effectively reduce ventricular dilation, and simply observing the child risks ongoing brain injury as hydrocephalus progresses. Temporary external ventricular drainage is reserved for acute or perioperative situations and is not a durable solution for chronic management. Shunts are not without risks—infection, obstruction, or overdrainage can occur—but they remain the most reliable and commonly employed treatment for hydrocephalus associated with myelomeningocele.