As a tumor grows it may fill or compress the fourth ventricle, blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. In other areas of the brain a tumor may similarly block or compress the ventricular system, causing hydrocephalus. This image shows the various ventricles of the brain. The treatment for hydrocephalus may be to surgically implant a shunt system into the ventricular system. All shunts have a valve system which regulates the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid and prevents backward flow of fluid into the ventricles.
Many shunts have reservoirs which can be used for removing CSF or administering drug therapy.
A shunt may be pumped but this should only be done on a physician's order. There are different types of shunts and placement procedures. To get a better idea of what a shunt looks like, ask to see one. Be sure to write down the name and type of the shunt your child has. This could be important information if your child runs into difficulty away from your medical centre.