Brain shunt

Mayo Clinic's approach

Our neurologists, radiologists and neurosurgeons are experts in the medical, procedural and surgical care for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) conditions, including various types of hydrocephalus, CSF leaks, Chiari malformation and pseudotumor cerebri.

Mayo Clinic in Florida has a Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics Clinic that specializes in evaluating and treating people with all types of CSF conditions.

Pediatric neurosurgeons at Mayo Clinic have experience treating infants and children with CSF conditions. This team has access to the most advanced technologies and methods — including fetal surgery, MRI during surgery (intraoperative MRI) and minimally invasive surgery with endoscopy, which is a type of surgery using small incisions.

Advanced diagnosis and treatment

Mayo Clinic is recognized for its advanced approach to diagnosing and treating conditions such as hydrocephalus and pseudotumor cerebri (now called idiopathic intracranial hypertension), which often require brain shunt placement. Their use of dedicated imaging protocols, comprehensive walking pattern (gait) assessments, and artificial intelligence tools helps identify candidates for shunting earlier and more accurately.

All for one

At Mayo Clinic, your neurosurgeon consults with doctors in other fields of medicine to provide the care you or your child needs. The care team might include experts in many different fields. Some examples include:

• Neurology
• Anesthesiology and perioperative medicine
• Radiology
• Fetal and maternal care
• Ophthalmology
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Pediatric rehabilitation

Experts include not just doctors and surgeons, but also nurse practitioners, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, patient educators, social workers, and child-life specialists. Coordinated care and genuine collaboration is what makes care at Mayo Clinic different.

Nationally recognized expertise

Mayo Clinic campuses are nationally recognized for expertise in cardiology and cardiovascular surgery:

• Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for heart and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report.
• Mayo Clinic Children's in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.