Hydrocephalus

This early study tests whether a drug called sirolimus (rapamycin), given directly into the brain's fluid spaces, can prevent hydrocephalus after a severe brain hemorrhage. Hydrocephalus is a dangerous buildup of fluid that often requires a permanent surgical shunt. The trial wil…

This study compares doing two brain surgeries—placing a shunt to drain fluid and repairing the skull—at the same time versus weeks apart. Researchers will track complications like infection, bleeding, and need for repeat surgery in 300 patients. The goal is to find out which appr…

This study compares two surgical approaches for treating idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) in people aged 60 and older. One group will receive standard ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery under general anesthesia, while the other will receive a lumbar-peritoneal shun…

This study tests a new wireless, noninvasive device called the Rhaeos Shunt Monitoring System (RSMS) that sticks to the skin to detect fluid flow in brain shunts used for hydrocephalus. About 85 children and adults with working shunts will have their shunt flow measured with both…

This study tests whether shining UVC light on the surgical area during brain surgery can prevent wound infections. 75 adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus who need a shunt will be randomly assigned to receive real UVC light or a sham device. The researchers will check for ge…

This study tests whether applying vancomycin powder directly into the surgical wound during shunt placement can prevent infections in children with hydrocephalus. About 164 children will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care or standard care plus the powder. The go…

This study tests two strategies for removing an external ventricular drain (a tube that drains fluid from the brain) in 170 adults who had a brain bleed. One method clamps the drain shut as soon as it's safe, while the other gradually raises the drain over time. The goal is to se…

This study will look at how common Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is in Maryland and whether race or zip code affects access to care. Researchers will provide education to patients, primary care doctors, and community health workers, then track how many people get referred t…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain ultrasound can predict which patients with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus will improve after shunt surgery. Researchers will measure brain pulsatility before a lumbar puncture and again one year later. The goal is to see if t…

This study looks at why some cancer patients develop neurological problems after receiving immunotherapy drugs called checkpoint inhibitors. Researchers will analyze spinal fluid and blood from 160 participants to find immune cells that may mistakenly attack the nervous system. T…

This study will use advanced MRI scans to better understand brain injury in premature babies who have bleeding in the brain's fluid spaces. About 450 babies in England suffer from severe bleeds each year, which can lead to fluid buildup and long-term disability. Researchers will …

This study will test whether MRI scans can detect a blocked shunt in adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus without needing surgery. Sixty participants will have their shunt temporarily set to 'off' for 5-7 days to mimic a blockage. Researchers will compare MRI images and bloo…