6. People also ask
What is the incidence of meningitis?
How many cases of meningitis are there
in 2018?
In 2018, there were about 330 total cases
of meningococcal disease reported
Neisseria meningitidis, often referred to as
meningococcus, is a Gram-negative
bacterium that can cause meningitis and other
forms of meningococcal disease such as
meningococcemia, a life-threatening sepsis.
38. Definition of Opisthotonus :
Opisthotonus or opisthotonos is a state of
severe hyperextension and spasticity in which
an individual’s head, neck and spinal column
enter into a complete “bridging” or “arching”
position.
Though relatively rare, the condition
39.
40. Meningitis: When an infection causes inflammation of the tissues that
surround the brain and spinal chord. The majority of cases in the United
States are viral, but bacteria and fungi can also cause the condition.
Tetanus: Caused by toxins produced by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, which
damage the nervous system and brain tissue. Tetanus is often called lockjaw
because its most common symptoms are a locked jaw, stiff neck, and trouble
swallowing.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59. What Is a VP Shunt?
A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a thin plastic tube that helps drain extra cerebrospinal fluid
(CSF) from the brain. CSF is the saltwater that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal
cord.
Why Are VP Shunts Placed?
VP shunts are placed to treat hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus (hi-droh-SEF-eh-less) happens when CSF
does not drain out of the hollow spaces inside the brain
(called ventricles) as it should. VP shunts drain the extra
fluid and help prevent pressure from getting too high in the
brain.
60. Most shunts have two catheters (small, thin tubes) connected by a valve. One end of the upstream catheter is in a ventricle.
The other end of the downstream catheter is in the peritoneal (pair-et-NEE-ul) cavity. This is the space inside the belly
where the stomach and the bowels sit. The shunt is all inside the body, under the skin.
The valve opens when the pressure in the brain gets too high. This lets fluid drain from the brain into the peritoneal space.
From there, the extra fluid is absorbed into the bloodstream and filtered out in the kidneys. Then the body can pee out the
extra fluid.
How Should We Prepare for a VP Shunt?
Your child cannot eat or drink for several hours before the surgery. Tell the doctor about any medicines your child takes.
Some might need to be stopped before the surgery. Also let the doctor know if your child has any allergies.
Your child should have clean hair (no grooming products) at the time of the surgery.
Your child will stay in the hospital after the surgery, so bring toiletries and other items that will help make the stay more
comfortable.
What Happens During the Placement of a VP Shunt?
A surgeon will do the VP shunt placement in an operating room. Your child will get anesthesia to sleep during the surgery
and not feel pain. A small area of hair might be shaved, then the surgeon will make small incisions (cuts) in the scalp.
After making a small hole in the skull, the surgeon will place the tip of the catheter into the brain. This catheter is connected
to a valve, which is then connected to a second catheter. When the shunt is in place, the doctor closes the incisions with
stitches or staples, and puts on bandages.
The catheter runs under the skin into the belly, so you can't see it. You might be able to feel where the tubing travels under
the skin in the neck.
