Hydrocephalus, often referred to as "water on the brain," is a life-threatening condition that affects one in a thousand babies born in the U.S., as well as older children and adults. Hydrocephalus is now generally treated with surgical placement of a shunt system that drains excess fluid around the brain. Shunt revision surgeries are often necessary, throughout the life of the child. Hydrocephalus: A Guide for Patients, Families & Friends informs patient and family so that you can:
Select a skilled neurosurgeon Understand what treatments are being proposed Participate more fully in your care Know what you can expect during and after surgery Know symptoms needing attention Know where to turn for support Keep records helpful for future diagnostic or surgical work
Families who read this book will encounter medical facts clearly explained, advice to ease their daily life, and tools for patient advocacy.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Very informative:
I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus when I was 9 months old. My Mother never really knew too much about it so neither did I. I've had 3 shunt surgeries (first one when I was 11 months, a revision at 5 years old, and a new VP shunt in a different place at 11 years old) and now that I'm 23 and a Mommy of 2, I really started getting worried about the 'what ifs'. I've done a lot of research and this book is great. It's very informative and puts it in easy to understand language for those who aren't fluent with... more info
Do NOT buy this book:
My mother bought this for me when my son was shunted at a month old due to hydrocephalus. This book gave us wrong information about just about everything to expect. Find something more current, or ask your neuro-surgeon for a recommendation - but don't put yourself through reading this obsolete, upsetting and misinformed book.
Hydro Book:
If you have a child with hydro or a close friend or relative with hydro this book is a must have. It is VERY informative. It's a great resource to turn to when in need of some answers.
Essential, reassuring, empowering, and potentially life-saving:
An important book not only for the person with hydrocephalus, but for family and close friends as well. If you're looking for a book that explains hydrocephalus, shunts, shunt complications, symptoms, and everything in between in layman's terms, you've found it. Here is reliable information which you can read and reread as often as you need. It provides you with the knowledge you need to ask neuros the right questions and to understand their answers. As a parent of a child who had a shunt placed in infancy,... more info
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