Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to Innovate Treatments for Hydrocephalus

 

[Dallas, TX, October 4, 2023] — The Hydrocephalus Association (HA) and the Rudi Schulte Research Institute (RSRI), hosted an impactful scientific research workshop in Dallas, TX last week. HA, the largest organization for hydrocephalus patient advocacy and private research funding, hosted a gathering of more than 60 distinguished professionals. This included scientists, educators, engineers, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and patients who came together to explore cutting-edge advancements in non-invasive hydrocephalus treatment research.

The only known treatment for hydrocephalus is brain surgery. The most common surgical treatment for hydrocephalus is shunting the excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain, which has one of the highest failure rates of any medical device on the market. There are approximately 10,000 pediatric hospital admissions for shunt malfunctions each year. Hydrocephalus and a shunt can mean a lifetime of multiple brain surgeries. Dozens of brain surgeries are common and 100 or more is not unheard of.

Hydrocephalus is a life-threatening condition that affects more than 1 million Americans including an estimated 800,000 older Americans who are believed to have normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). With so many affected, the top priority of the hydrocephalus community of patients, scientists, and physicians is to find non-invasive treatments for hydrocephalus. These are treatments that do not require brain surgery like shunting.

The workshop served as a catalyst for collaboration and knowledge exchange during the presentations of cutting-edge scientific findings. Attendees engaged in robust discussions on the critical aspects of hydrocephalus research, with a special focus on the following key areas:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Big Data: Ongoing research endeavors in AI, machine learning, and big data were at the forefront of discussions. Participants delved into the latest developments utilizing these technologies to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies for hydrocephalus.
• Emerging Targets in Drug and Gene Therapies: Advances in the field of drug and gene therapies for hydrocephalus were shared. Presentations highlighted promising targets that hold significant potential for innovative non-invasive treatment approaches.

“We are immensely proud of the strides made during this research workshop,” remarked Monica Chau, PhD, National Director of Research at the Hydrocephalus Association. “The synergy of minds from various disciplines fuels our drive for meaningful progress in hydrocephalus research and patient care. There aren’t many hydrocephalus treatment research groups out there, and we are leading the charge in non-invasive therapies.”

The HA and RSRI express their gratitude to all participants, speakers, and the scientific planning committee who contributed to the success of this event. The knowledge shared and the connections forged at the workshop will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the hydrocephalus research landscape.

About the Hydrocephalus Association:
Founded in 1983 by parents of children with hydrocephalus, the Hydrocephalus Association has grown to become the nation’s largest and most widely respected organization dedicated to hydrocephalus. The Hydrocephalus Association began funding research in 2009. Since then, HA has committed over $13 million to research, making it the largest nonprofit, non-governmental funder of hydrocephalus research in the U.S. For more information, visit www.hydroassoc.org.

About Rudi Schulte Research Institute:
The Rudi Schulte Research Institute is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation in the field of hydrocephalus. Through collaborative research initiatives, RSRI aims to accelerate the development of effective treatments and therapies for hydrocephalus patients.