Staying Active

All children have a need and the right to be their own person as they mature and explore their world. A child with hydrocephalus is no different. It is essential that he or she be treated like any other child and afforded every opportunity to live as normal a life as possible. Children with hydrocephalus can be treated with either a shunt, which leaves a medical device in their bodies to manage their condition, or by an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), which eliminates the need for a medical device. For children that do have a shunt, the shunt is very durable. Neither a shunt nor an ETV should pose any special problems in the course of normal physical activity or childhood bumps or falls.

In general, the activities of children and adults with hydrocephalus should not be restricted. They should be encouraged to participate in regular activities, including school and after school physical education programs and recreational sporting activities. While some neurosurgeons are reluctant to have their patients participate in contact sports, it should be emphasized that the specifics of each patient’s situation are unique. This is particularly true for children living with other health conditions or issues (e.g., spina bifida, cerebral palsy, pulmonary problems, epilepsy) and therefore the determination of safe activities depends on taking all of this into account.

Consultation with a neurosurgeon is strongly recommended. Together, the neurosurgeon, the patient, and the family should be the ultimate decision-makers regarding specific activities for each individual with treated hydrocephalus.

—Medical Advisory Board and Board of Directors, The Hydrocephalus Association

Everyone needs to feel the freedom of living life to the fullest. An adult living with hydrocephalus is no different. Adults living with hydrocephalus can be treated with either a shunt, which leaves a medical device in their bodies to manage their condition, or by an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), which eliminates the need for a medical device. For adults that do have a shunt, the shunt is a very durable device. Neither a shunt nor an ETV should pose any special problems in the course of normal physical activity.

While some neurosurgeons and/or neurologists are reluctant to have their patients participate in contact sports or extreme recreational activities, it should be emphasized that the specifics of each patient’s situation are unique. This is particularly true for adults living with other health conditions or issues (e.g., spina bifida, cerebral palsy, pulmonary problems, epilepsy) and therefore the determination of safe activities depends on taking all of this into account.

Consultation with the individual's treating neurosurgeon or neurologist is strongly recommended. Together, the doctor and the patient should be the ultimate decision-makers regarding specific activities for each individual with treated hydrocephalus. 

In general, the activities of adults with hydrocephalus should not be restricted. They should be encouraged to participate in regular activities, including work, family planning, and exercise and recreational sporting activities.

—Medical Advisory Board, Hydrocephalus Association