Dental Management of Patients with Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition involving an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and can affect both adults and children. It is usually managed by the surgical placement of a shunt to direct cerebrospinal fluid away from the brain. Patients who have a history of hydrocephalus can have lifelong disability, and shunt treatment is associated with a number of complications. These factors will influence the risk of developing dental disease and also impact upon the provision of dental care. CPD/Clinical Relevance: There are issues specific to this cohort of patients that dental professionals should consider when planning and delivering treatment.