Headaches and Hydrocephalus Treatment
Background
The Hydrocephalus Association invites you to participate in an IRB-approved study currently being conducted by Bermans Iskandar, MD at University of Wisconsin focused on understanding chronic headaches in individuals with hydrocephalus treated with a shunt(s).
Why are researchers doing this study?
It is observed that many patients with hydrocephalus who have been treated with a VP shunt suffer from chronic headaches. In this study, we examine the frequency and type of headaches that people with shunts have, and compare them to normal subjects without hydrocephalus, and to hydrocephalus patients who’ve been treated with a procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy, or ETV, which does not require a shunt. The study is important because it informs the researchers about the consequences of long-term shunting.
Study Participants
Who is eligible to participate in this study?
- Patients between the ages of 15 and 45 who have been treated with shunts in the first four years of life.
- Patients between the ages of 15 and 45 who have been successfully treated with ETV in the first four years of life.
- Siblings ages 15 and older without hydrocephalus.
Location
Virtually via an app
Study Benefits
There is no cost to the patient/family for participating in the study. The study will help us better understand the relationship between headaches and shunts.
The subjects who are deemed eligible and enroll in the study will receive $25 after completion of the second survey and an additional $25 upon satisfactory completion of the study.
Sign Up!
To participate or get more information, please contact Dr. Sima Sayyahmelli at research@neurosurgery.wisc.edu or (608) 265-4514 and she will answer any questions you have in more detail.
For interested patients or families, the research staff will then provide more information including consent documents and further instructions.
Click here to view the study flyer which contains additional information.