Long-Term Management of Hydrocephalus in Children

Follow-up

• Frequency of office visits is not established: While there is no accepted frequency for follow-up office visits, the concept of scheduled follow-up is important.
• Frequency of follow-up imaging is not established: There is no established schedule for imaging that will guard against unpredicted failure of treatment.

Adjunctive Therapies

• Specialists to manage associated diseases: Hydrocephalus is often part of a more complex disease; patients need to be cared for by a network of specialists such as oncologists, endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, urologists, and others.
• Rehabilitation therapy: Rehabilitation medicine specialists are often in the first line for managing severely handicapped patients.

Transition of Care

• Anticipate need: Given that all children will become adults, part of their management during adolescence is to anticipate and facilitate transition of care to a neurosurgeon capable of caring for adults with chronic hydrocephalus.
• Educate patient: Important in the transitional process is educating the patient to assume increasing responsibility for the management of his or her condition.