Harvey Cushing's experience with treating childhood hydrocephalus: in his own words

Abstract

Purpose: As the founder of modern neurosurgery, Harvey Cushing is known for his innovations and treatment for many neurosurgical disorders. However, few are aware that Cushing treated childhood hydrocephalus. Examples of these treatments include the placement of ventriculo-subgaleal shunts, ventriculo-jugular shunts, ventriculo-superior sagittal sinus shunts, and at least 12 lumbar cistern-to-retroperitoneal shunts that, as he put it, had "a considerable measure of success." The authors wish to provide insight into Cushing's treatment of childhood hydrocephalus.

Methods: The authors review Cushing's writings on this topic.

Results: The authors provide a window into this pioneer's early thinking on the physiology and production of cerebrospinal fluid.

Conclusions: Although decades went by before reliable treatments for hydrocephalus were established, Cushing pioneered both the thought processes and surgical options for this disease.