Research Overview
Research by dedicated scientists and clinicians from a wide range of disciplines is expanding our knowledge of hydrocephalus, translating discoveries and insights into vital new treatments and clinical care practices for people living with hydrocephalus.
Our Mission & Strategy
The mission of our Research Program is to fund research that improves the quality of life for people living with hydrocephalus, and ultimately to find a cure. To accomplish this mission, the Board of Directors established three priority areas:
“The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is committed to basic, translational, and clinical research in neuroscience and neurological disorders, including hydrocephalus research. The Hydrocephalus Association research program has built partnerships with NINDS and across the spectrum of research in a way that supports the development of new ideas, tools, and therapies designed to improve patient outcomes.”
Dr. Jill Morris, Program Director
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Connecting Basic, Translational, and Clinical Researchers
The Hydrocephalus Association Research Program is focused on advancing promising avenues of hydrocephalus research and building a committed and connected hydrocephalus research community. Through the support of three research networks and our patient-powered registry, HA has created a research ecosystem that improves the lives of those with hydrocephalus now, while identifying and testing new hypotheses and therapies. By connecting basic, translational, and clinical researchers, HA is accelerating hydrocephalus research and working to fulfill our mission.
Research Networks and the Patient-Powered Registry
We support three networks and a patient-powered registry that accelerate high quality, high-impact hydrocephalus research.
Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN)
A network of fourteen children’s hospitals that conduct clinical research on hydrocephalus.
Adult Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (AHCRN)
A network of eight hospitals that conduct clinical research focused on adults with hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus Association Network for Discovery Science (HANDS)
A platform for both communication and collaboration among hydrocephalus basic and translational researchers with a focus on mentorship, innovation, and shared infrastructure. Through HANDS we award research grants to individual investigators conducting innovative research and also hold research conferences and workshops that are designed to promote collaboration and identify promising new opportunities.
Hydrocephalus Association Patient-Powered Interactive Engagement Registry (HAPPIER)
HAPPIER, an online database created to bring the patient perspective to hydrocephalus research. HAPPIER will help accelerate hydrocephalus research by providing patient-generated and patient-centered data to the research community.
When We Cut Research, We Cut Hope: The Human Cost of Medical Funding Cuts
When we cut research, we do not just slow progress. We delay relief. We postpone innovation. And, for many patients and families, we delay hope.
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A Future Without Brain Surgery? The Push for Non-Invasive Therapies for Hydrocephalus
What if treating hydrocephalus didn’t require brain surgery? The Hydrocephalus Association (HA) is working to turn this vision into reality!
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The Latest Research on Shunt Occlusion
Understanding the cause of occluded catheters is key to improving shunt systems and brings hope that future designs will offer more reliable treatments, improving the quality of life for individuals with hydrocephalus and reducing the need for frequent surgeries.
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