Neuropsychological Symptoms Associated with Multiple Shunts

Hydrocephalus is the excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranium which may result in increased intracranial pressure, dilation of cerebral ventricles and displacement of adjacent brain structures. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is often needed to treat hydrocephalus. Patients with Ventriculoperitoneal shunts have been found to have IQ scores below the mean of the general population. In addition, many of these patients experience shunt infections or other complications that require shunt replacement. Shunt replacements and shunt infections have been associated with additional deficits in intellectual functioning. However, previous research has failed to address the neuropsychological ramifications of shunt infections and shunt replacements. Given the high prevalence of hydrocephalus in patients with spina bifida, this patient population was chosen for this study. Results from this study indicate a significant correlation between shunt replacements and deficits in general intelligence, visuospatial skills, and memory functioning in children with spina bifida. Shunt infections were not significantly related to any aspect of neuropsychological functioning. However, patients with a history of shunt infection generally receive a greater number of shunt replacements than patients without a history of shunt infection, and thus display lower intellect and more visuospatial and memory deficits.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year

2010

Author dc:creator

• Jackson, Jared

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ropacki, Susan A.

• Clinical Psychology
• Psychology; Hydrocephalus;
• Ventriculoperitoneal shunts

Statement dc:rights

• This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/4

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsrepository.llu.edu:etd-1003