Shunt: a mechanism which bypasses/diverts accumulations of fluid to an absorbing or excreting system. Though the shunt operation is the most common neurosurgical procedure performed, it has a high failure rate (one year averaged a 30% failure rate). A problem is the lack of understanding and lack of knowledge, by neurosurgeons, of basic fluid dynamics and internal workings of the shunts themselves. They simply use "what they were trained on" without the benefit of an objective guide to the best shunts and why they are superior to others. As the author states, their only other source of information comes from biased manufacturer's representatives. The Shunt Book fills a void in the literature by presenting basic information on types of shunts and their functions, thus allowing neurosurgeons to rationally select shunt equipment and understand their mechanical effects. This inexpensive and easily accessible handbook offers chapters on fluid dynamics, internal mechanisms of shunts, types of shunts available, alternative devices and how to measure shunt effectiveness. This volume discusses How shunts work, How shunts fail, Alternatives to shunts, and Measuring implanted shunt performance.

Shunt tells the story of James Hunt's life, his victories on the track, the girls he loved and lost and the huge amounts of money he earned and spent. No stone has been left unturned, no fact too small to include, including his lifelong devotion to dogs and budgerigars. It is the first proper story of a man loved by all those that knew him well but despised by people who did not understand the rules by which he lived his life. It is a story of a man whose like will almost certainly never be seen again.

ALL ABOUT ME (and my shunt), written and illustrated by Terri Rice Bellush, is a long-overdue educational and heartwarming book about Hydrocephalus written for very young children. This fun, yet serious story is told through the eyes of a young girl named Janet. She tells us some of the typical things she likes to do, such as read books and visit her grandparents. She then explains about her Hydrocephalus on a level that young children can understand. We are then led through Janet's experience of having a shunt. She describes some of the symptoms she has when her shunt isn't working properly. We also follow her through the process of getting her shunt fixed at the hospital. Janet concludes her tale by telling us that having a shunt isn't so bad because it helps keep her alive so she can do all the things that she enjoys. Included at the end of the book are brief descriptions and simple drawings of three common types of shunts: Ventriculo-Peritoneal, Ventriculo-Pleural and Ventriculo-Atrial. This book is an excellent way to comfort and teach young children about Hydrocephalus and shunts. Reviews Unlike any other book of it's type - it talks from Janet's point of view. She covers everything from hospitalization, to knowing that 'shunts break like toys', her teachers knowing her condition, and states that 'having a shunt isn't so bad.' We recommend this book, especially to parents with young children. However, adults would enjoy it too. The illustration is unique and very child-friendly. The entire booklet was colorful, demonstrated in a way that is understandable from the very young to adults. We believe that you will find this book very worthwhile. - Debbi Fields, Executive Director - National Hydrocephalus Foundation

Provides guidelines for managing this grossly underdiagnosed and undertreated condition, focusing on early detection and timely, effective interventions.

James Hunt was a towering personality with a commanding presence, a hugely glamorous public figure who brought Formula One motor racing to the attention of a whole new audience. Triumphing against all odds to become World Drivers' Champion with McLaren in 1976, Hunt sank into a period of decadence and depression, only to be rejuvenated as he found true love for the first time. With that came personal contentment and a renewed zest for living, so that one of the most colourful and controversial figures in Grand Prix racing is best remembered by those close to him as a fun-loving, caring man who had a genuinely uplifting presence - qualities that shine through in Gerald Donaldson's compelling and moving account of his life.

The guide helps the reader to select a neurosurgeon, understand treatments, recognize symptoms that need attention, find support groups, keep records, and make wise lifestyle choices.

Often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a disease of the elderly that is on the rise as the population ages. Its similarities to Parkinson's disease, dementia and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions make diagnosis challenging, requiring clinicians to be alert to the signs and symptoms that differentiate it. Here is the first comprehensive book on the topic, written by experts who have researched and taught courses on NPH for years. From clinical characteristics and pathophysiology to signs and symptoms, radiographic findings, diagnostic tests and state-of-the-art treatment techniques, it covers everything practitioners need to know about this multi-faceted condition. Special Features: Describes the classic symptom triad of gait disturbance, urinary incontinence and dementia Covers the full sequence of the diagnostic work-up, including imaging studies, non-invasive tests, and invasive procedures such as lumbar infusion and cerebrospinal tap tests Explains the risks and benefits of surgical implantation of a ventricular-peritoneal (VP) shunt to relieve symptoms and restore function, including key criteria for evaluating "shunt responsiveness" Provides the first step-by-step account of operative shunt placement by Dr. Michael Fritsch, who has performed the procedure extensively at leading neurosurgical centers throughout the world Including troubleshooting techniques following shunt surgery, long-term management of patients, prognosis for the condition and future initiatives, this all-inclusive reference makes a major contribution to the field. It is essential for neurosurgeons, neurologists, internists, residents, and other physicians who treat diseases of the elderly in everyday practice.