VP shunts and hydrocephalus
Twelve accurate, easy-to-understand resources about ventriculoperitoneal shunts, covering anatomy, surgery, daily care, risks and long-term management.
A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to the abdomen. It was Alex’s first surgery, performed to treat the hydrocephalus that so often comes with Cloverleaf Syndrome. These sites are helpful for patients, parents and caregivers seeking reliable guidance.
Medical and educational resources
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
VP shunt overviewA detailed explanation of VP shunts, including indications, care guidelines, programmable versus non-programmable valves, and warning signs to monitor.
together.stjude.org -
Mount Sinai Health Library
Ventriculoperitoneal shuntingA comprehensive overview of the surgical procedure, preparation, risks, recovery and follow-up care.
www.mountsinai.org -
Nemours KidsHealth
VP shunts for parents and childrenA clear, family-friendly explanation of VP shunts and hydrocephalus written for both parents and children.
kidshealth.org -
Hydrocephalus Association
Understanding shunt systemsAn in-depth educational resource explaining shunt types, placement, valve mechanisms and programmable systems.
www.hydroassoc.org -
StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf)
Ventriculoperitoneal shuntA medical reference article with technical details, clinical indications and procedural context.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov -
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Shunt procedure overviewA step-by-step overview of VP shunt surgery, hospital stay expectations, follow-up care and recovery timeline.
www.hopkinsmedicine.org -
MSK Kids (Memorial Sloan Kettering)
Programmable VP shuntA pediatric-focused resource explaining device components, pressure settings and what families can expect after surgery.
www.mskcc.org
Additional learning and support
-
Geeky Medics
VP shunts in adultsAn educational overview for patients and healthcare learners covering adult anatomy, indications, surgical workflow and complications.
geekymedics.com -
Verywell Health
What is a VP shunt?A patient-friendly summary of how VP shunts work, why they are needed, possible risks and signs of malfunction.
www.verywellhealth.com -
Hydrocephalus Association
Shunt complicationsA detailed discussion of common shunt complications, including blockage, infection, over- or under-drainage, and age-specific warning signs.
www.hydroassoc.org -
NHS University Hospital Southampton (UK)
Adult hydrocephalus and shunts (PDF)A concise UK patient leaflet covering shunt types, procedures, follow-up care and living with a shunt.
www.uhs.nhs.uk -
Wikipedia
Cerebral shunt and hydrocephalusBroad reference articles covering VP shunts in the context of cerebral shunts, epidemiology, complications and related conditions.
en.wikipedia.org
The Alexander Foundation has found these sites helpful. We list them as a starting point, not an endorsement, and we encourage every family to decide for themselves what is useful. Nothing here is medical advice.
Two ways to take the next step
You are not alone in this.
If your child has Cloverleaf Syndrome or another craniofacial condition and the bills are piling up, tell us what is happening. We help where we can, and we will point you to people who can help with the rest.
Every dollar reaches a family.
Nobody at the foundation is paid. Apart from minimal supplies and tax filing, every gift goes to families, hospitals, schools and books that change how children treat each other.