Post IVH Hydrocephalus

Charlie has been diagnosed with yet another, crappy condition. His Grade 4 IVH has led to the discovery of excess cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles. The bleed caused clots and scar tissue to plug the normal drainage of fluid from the brain causing his ventricles to swell excessively. To prevent further brain damage, Charlie will need to have surgery to implant a VP shunt into his right ventricle to drain the fluid. The shunt will be attached to tubing that will be anchored in his abdomen so that the fluid can drain away from the brain. We have been told that this is a lifelong condition and that the shunt will need to remain in his brain for the rest of his life.