Abstract

Hydrocephalus is the excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranium which may result in increased intracranial pressure, dilation of cerebral ventricles and displacement of adjacent brain structures. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is often needed to treat hydrocephalus. Patients with Ventriculoperitoneal shunts have been found to have IQ scores below the mean of the general population. In addition, many of these patients experience shunt infections or other complications that require shunt replacement. Shunt replacements and shunt infections have been associated with additional deficits in intellectual functioning. However, previous research has failed to address the neuropsychological ramifications of shunt infections and shunt replacements. Given the high prevalence of hydrocephalus in patients with spina bifida, this patient population was chosen for this study. Results from this study indicate a significant correlation between shunt replacements and deficits in general intelligence, visuospatial skills, and memory functioning in children with spina bifida. Shunt infections were not significantly related to any aspect of neuropsychological functioning. However, patients with a history of shunt infection generally receive a greater number of shunt replacements than patients without a history of shunt infection, and thus display lower intellect and more visuospatial and memory deficits.

LLU Discipline

Clinical Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Science and Technology

First Advisor

Ropacki, Susan A.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

January 2010

Date (Title Page)

12-1-2010

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Psychology; Hydrocephalus;

Subject - Local

Ventriculoperitoneal shunts

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

67 p.

Digital Format

Application/PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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