An expert system for hydrocephalus patient feedback

Abstract

Diagnosis of hydrocephalus symptoms and shunting system faults currently are based on clinical observation, monitoring of cranial growth, transfontanelle pressure, imaging techniques and, on occasion, studies of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics. Up to date, the patient has to visit the hospital or meet consultant to diagnose the symptoms that occur due to rising of intracranial pressure or any shunt complications, which cause suffering for the patient and his family. This work presents the design and implementation of an expert system based on real-time patient feedback that aims to provide a suitable decision for hydrocephalus management and shunt diagnosis. Such decision would help in personalising the management as well as detecting and identifying of any shunt malfunctions without the need to contact or visit the hospital. In this paper, the development of patient feedback expert system is described. The outcome of such system would help satisfy the patient's needs regarding his/her shunt.