MIETHKE GAV, Patient Handbook

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| PATIENT HANDBOOK
GB
AFTER THE OPERATION
As a rule, the everyday activities of patients with
shunt implants are not restricted. However, pati-
ents should consult their attending physician be-
fore major physical exertion (e. g. hard physical
work, strenuous sports). Hydrocephalus patients
who experience headache, dizziness, unnatural
gait or similar symptoms should consult a physi-
cian without delay. Apart from that, we recommend
medical check-ups at regular intervals. The patient
should avoid knocks or pressure on the valve and
catheters. The valve has been designed to be resi-
stant against magnetic fields.
PHYSICS BACKGROUND
In the following chapter we describe the pressure
conditions relevant for hydrocephalus drainage.
The ventricle pressure and the pressure in the ab-
dominal cavity are represented by water levels.
In a healthy human, the ventricular pressure (water
level in the ventricle container) is positive (slightly
above 0) in the horizontal position and negative
(slightly below 0) in the upright (vertical) position
(fig. 4).
Fig. 4a: Ventricle pressure in a healthy
human in horizontal position
1 ventricle container
2 ventricles
1
2
0
Fig. 4b: Ventricle pressure in a healthy
human in vertical position
0
1
In hydrocephalus patients the ventricular pressure
is always increased (water level in the ventricle con-
tainer far above 0) irrespective of the body position.
The ventricles are expanded (fig. 5).
1 ventricle container
2 expanded ventricles
0
1 2
Fig. 5a: Ventricle pressure in a hydrocephalus patient in
horizontal position
0
1
Fig. 5b: Ventricle pressure in a hydrocephalus patient in
vertical position