October and November have been a super busy time for all three branches of government (Executive, Legislative and Judicial). Here’s our latest summary of what’s been happening on Capitol Hill.

In the United States, the standard treatment for idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients is a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS). But a new study explores the effectiveness of lumboperitoneal shunts (LPS), which have also been shown to improve iNPH symptoms and are widely used in Japan.

Diana Gray, HA President and CEO, was named Chairperson of the National Health Council (NHC) Board of Directors for 2021. She was elected to the role at the NHC’s annual membership meeting this week.

A recent study published in Neurosurgery looked at the success rate of converting from a shunt to an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in pediatric and young adult patients. The study, with lead author Dr. David S. Hersh, retrospectively reviewed patient data from three children’s hospitals in the United States.

Earlier this year, Rhaeos won MedTech Innovator’s 2020 Global Competition. In a recent conversation with Rhaeos CEO Anna Lisa Somera, Somera discussed the significance of the award and how FlowSense can improve the way hydrocephalus is managed.

We can’t thank you enough for donating to the Hydrocephalus Association for GivingTuesday. It’s truly an honor to have your support!

Were pleased to announce the 2020 Hydrocephalus Association Scholarship Award Recipients. HA’s scholarship program was established in 1994 to provide financial assistance to capable and promising teens, young adults, and adults who live with the ongoing challenges and complexities of hydrocephalus.

In addition to celebrating Hydrocephalus Awareness month, the Hydrocephalus Association has been tracking the ins and outs of what’s happening on Capitol Hill. Read our latest advocacy update!

Amanda Harrinauth is a poet, author, life coach and Special Olympics athlete living with hydrocephalus, vision impairment and autism. For Hydrocephalus Awareness Month, she wrote a poem to inspire others. 

Linda Riley has joined the Hydrocephalus Association as the new National Director of Development. Linda brings more than 20 years of fundraising experience to this position.