TY - JOUR T1 - Cognitive changes after cerebrospinal fluid shunting in young adults with spina bifida and assumed arrested hydrocephalus JF - Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry JO - J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry SP - 615 LP - 621 DO - 10.1136/jnnp.68.5.615 VL - 68 IS - 5 AU - Maria Mataró AU - Maria Antonia Poca AU - Juan Sahuquillo AU - Ampar Cuxart AU - Jordi Iborra AU - María Dolores de la Calzada AU - Carme Junqué Y1 - 2000/05/01 UR - http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/68/5/615.abstract N2 - OBJECTIVES To establish whether surgery can improve the neuropsychological functioning of young adult patients with spina bifida and apparent clinically arrested hydrocephalus showing abnormal intracranial pressure. METHODS Twenty three young adults with spina bifida and assumed arrested hydrocephalus (diagnosed as active or compensated by continuous intracranial pressure monitoring) underwent surgery. All patients received neuropsychological examination before surgery and 6 months later. Neuropsychological assessment included tests of verbal and visual memory, visuospatial functions, speed of mental processing, and frontal lobe functions. RESULTS Shunt placement in this subgroup of patients improves neuropsychological functioning, especially in verbal and visual memory and attention and cognitive flexibility. CONCLUSIONS Young adults with spina bifida and suspected non-functioning shunt or non-shunted ventriculomegaly should be carefully monitored to identify those who could benefit from shunting. ER -