<P> Cerebral shunts are commonly used to treat hydrocephalus , the swelling of the brain due to excess buildup of cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF ) . If left unchecked , the cerebrospinal fluid can build up leading to an increase in intracranial pressure ( ICP ) which can lead to intracranial hematoma , cerebral edema , crushed brain tissue or herniation . The cerebral shunt can be used to alleviate or prevent these problems in patients who suffer from hydrocephalus or other related diseases . Shunts can come in a variety of forms but most of them consist of a valve housing connected to a catheter , the end of which is usually placed in the peritoneal cavity . The main differences between shunts are usually in the materials used to construct them , the types of valve ( if any ) used , and whether the valve is programmable or not . </P>
<P> Cerebral shunts are commonly used to treat hydrocephalus , the swelling of the brain due to excess buildup of cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF ) . If left unchecked , the cerebrospinal fluid can build up leading to an increase in intracranial pressure ( ICP ) which can lead to intracranial hematoma , cerebral edema , crushed brain tissue or herniation . The cerebral shunt can be used to alleviate or prevent these problems in patients who suffer from hydrocephalus or other related diseases . Shunts can come in a variety of forms but most of them consist of a valve housing connected to a catheter , the end of which is usually placed in the peritoneal cavity . The main differences between shunts are usually in the materials used to construct them , the types of valve ( if any ) used , and whether the valve is programmable or not . </P>
what is the purpose of a shunt in the brain
what is the purpose of a shunt in the brain
to treat hydrocephalus , the swelling of the brain due to excess buildup of cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF )
to treat hydrocephalus , the swelling of the brain due to excess buildup of cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF )