Hydrocephalus happens when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain's ventricles, causing pressure that can damage brain tissue. It affects about 1 in 500 children and also occurs in adults from injury, infection, or brain bleeding. Most treatment relies on surgically placed shunts that drain excess fluid, but shunts can malfunction and need replacement.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing endoscopic third ventriculostomy as an alternative to shunts, new shunt designs with lower failure rates, and drugs that might reduce fluid production or improve drainage. Researchers are also studying better imaging to predict which shunts will fail and testing treatments for normal pressure hydrocephalus in older adults.
Shunt technology improvements
New valve designs aim to reduce the 40% failure rate in the first two years after surgery. Some incorporate sensors or materials that resist infection and blockage.
Endoscopic alternatives
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy creates a new drainage path without implanting hardware. Trials are identifying which patients benefit most from this approach versus shunts.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus
Studies are refining diagnosis and treatment timing for older adults whose walking, thinking, and bladder problems may reverse with shunt surgery. Better prediction tools could help identify who will respond.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on hydrocephalus type (congenital, acquired, or normal pressure), whether a shunt is already in place, age, and specific symptoms like headaches or gait problems.
What types of trials are currently open
- Shunt technology trials — Testing new shunt valves, catheters, and materials designed to last longer and fail less often than current systems.
- Surgical technique trials — Comparing endoscopic third ventriculostomy to traditional shunt placement, often focused on specific age groups or causes of hydrocephalus.
- Drug trials — Testing medications that might reduce cerebrospinal fluid production or improve its absorption, potentially as shunt alternatives or supplements.
- Diagnostic studies — Evaluating imaging techniques and spinal tap tests that predict which patients will benefit from shunt surgery, especially in normal pressure hydrocephalus.
- Long-term outcome studies — Following people with hydrocephalus to understand how different treatments affect development, cognition, and quality of life over years.
Recently added Hydrocephalus trials
Receive brain imaging to help diagnose fluid buildup in the brain
This study aims to evaluate whether phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics can improve the diagnosis and prognostic assessment of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). In addition, the study investigates how changes in CSF flow parameters before and after CSF diversion procedures are associated with clinical improvement.
Receive an automated drainage system during your shunt trial
The intellidrop device is an FDA-approved system that automates safe, small volume of cerebral spinal fluid drainage with continuous pressure monitoring, reducing nursing workload and human error while improving patient mobility and comfort
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