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The prevalence of hydrocephalus in the general population is unknown
because the condition may occur in isolation or in association with other
congenital or acquired disorders. As an isolated condition, the incidence of
hydrocephalus is approximately 1 to 1.5 per 1,000 births in the United States.
When associated with other disorders, the incidence of hydrocephalus is 3 to 4
per 1000 live births. One can estimate the prevalence of hydrocephalus by
looking at the treatment of this condition. In the United States there are
approximately 125,000 patients with CSF shunts. Each year there are about 50,000
shunt operations. |
