What is the primary function of ventriculostomy in neurosurgical care?

What is the primary function of ventriculostomy in neurosurgical care?

• A. To drain CSF and monitor intracranial pressure
• B. To monitor intracranial electrical activity
• C. To calm seizures with electrical stimulation
• D. To deliver targeted chemotherapy to the brain

Answer: (B)

Ventriculostomy with an external ventricular drain is placed to drain cerebrospinal fluid and provide continuous intracranial pressure readings. By allowing CSF to drain, it helps lower elevated ICP and prevent brain herniation in conditions like hydrocephalus, intraventricular hemorrhage, or severe brain injury. The connected transducer continuously monitors ICP, guiding therapy such as how much drainage to allow, when to adjust medical management, and how to position the patient. This function is distinct from monitoring brain electrical activity (that’s done with EEG), drawing on electrical stimulation to control seizures, or delivering chemotherapy; the primary purpose of ventriculostomy is drainage and ICP monitoring.

Ventriculostomy with an external ventricular drain is placed to drain cerebrospinal fluid and provide continuous intracranial pressure readings. By allowing CSF to drain, it helps lower elevated ICP and prevent brain herniation in conditions like hydrocephalus, intraventricular hemorrhage, or severe brain injury. The connected transducer continuously monitors ICP, guiding therapy such as how much drainage to allow, when to adjust medical management, and how to position the patient. This function is distinct from monitoring brain electrical activity (that’s done with EEG), drawing on electrical stimulation to control seizures, or delivering chemotherapy; the primary purpose of ventriculostomy is drainage and ICP monitoring.