Hydrocephalus Treatment In Singapore

Don’t face a hydrocephalus diagnosis with uncertainty. Specialist-led neurosurgical care. Treatment options available including programmable shunts and minimally invasive ETV.

Dr Teo Kejia (张哿佳医生)

Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon

MBBS (SG)MRCS (Edin)IFAANSFAMS (Neuro Surg)FRCS Ed (Neuro Surg)

15 years experience in complex neurological assessments & cranial surgery
Minimally invasive Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) and programmable shunt options performed.
Same-week consultations available at Mount Elizabeth and Parkway East.
Major corporate insurance and Shield plans accepted.

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Do You Have These Hydrocephalus Symptoms?

Difficulty Walking Or Frequent Falls

A shuffling, unsteady, or “magnetic” gait can indicate fluid pressure affecting the brain’s motor pathways, a hallmark of normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Memory Loss Or Confusion

Progressive forgetfulness or slowed thinking may reflect fluid buildup rather than dementia, and warrants imaging and specialist review.

Loss Of Bladder Control

New-onset urinary urgency or incontinence, combined with gait and memory changes, forms the classic NPH triad and should be assessed promptly.

Persistent Headaches Or Nausea

Ongoing headaches — especially worse in the morning or with vomiting — can indicate raised pressure inside the skull.

Blurred Or Double Vision

Visual disturbance may result from pressure affecting the optic nerves and should be evaluated alongside neurological symptoms.

Enlarged Ventricles On Recent Scan

If an MRI or CT scan has already shown enlarged brain ventricles or CSF buildup, a neurosurgical opinion helps determine whether treatment is needed.

These symptoms, especially when they appear together or worsen over time may require further specialist evaluation. Read on to learn more about treatment options available to hydrocephalus cases in Singapore.

Surgical Treatment Options For Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is treated surgically by relieving the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. There are two established procedures, one uses an internal drainage system, the other creates a new pathway for fluid to flow.

Each is suited to different types of hydrocephalus. Dr Teo will review your MRI, symptoms, and overall health before discussing which option is appropriate for your situation.

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Surgery

A surgical procedure that uses an implanted drainage system to redirect excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain to the abdomen, where the body reabsorbs it.

How it works:

A thin, flexible silicone tube (the shunt) is placed under the skin. One end sits inside a ventricle of the brain; the other end runs down through the neck and chest and enters the abdominal cavity. A small valve along the tube regulates the rate of drainage.

What the surgery involves:

Performed under general anaesthesia
Two small incisions: one on the scalp, one on the abdomen
Typical operating time: approximately 1 to 2 hours
Hospital stay: usually 2–4 days
Most patients return to light daily activities within 2–4 weeks

Conditions VP shunt may be considered for:

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
Post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus
Post-infection hydrocephalus
Cases where CSF absorption is impaired rather than blocked

Features of modern shunt systems:

Programmable valve: drainage pressure can be adjusted non-invasively during clinic visits, without further surgery, as your symptoms are monitored
Anti-siphon design: helps regulate flow when changing posture between lying, sitting, and standing
MRI-compatible: safe for future scans, with valve settings re-checked afterwards

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)

A minimally invasive procedure that creates a new internal pathway for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to bypass a blockage, without implanting any device.

How it works:

Using a small endoscope (a thin camera), Dr Teo creates a new opening at the floor of the third ventricle. This allows trapped fluid to flow around the blockage and drain through the brain’s natural absorption spaces. No tube, no valve, no implanted hardware.

What the surgery involves:

Performed under general anaesthesia
One small keyhole incision on the scalp (approximately 1cm)
Typical operating time: approximately 45–75 minutes
Hospital stay: usually 1–3 days
Most patients return to light daily activities within 1–3 weeks

Conditions ETV may be considered for:

Obstructive hydrocephalus (where a physical blockage prevents CSF flow)
Aqueductal stenosis (narrowing of the passage between ventricles)
Blockage from a cyst or tumour
Selected cases of post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus with an obstructive component

Features of ETV:

No implanted hardware: nothing remains in the body long-term
Uses the body’s natural fluid absorption pathway rather than a mechanical drainage system
No ongoing valve adjustments required once the new pathway is established

Insurance & Medisave Coverage for Hydrocephalus Treatment

Medisave and MediShield may be applicable for eligible cases. Our clinic team will help verify your coverage.

Reserve Your Consultation With Dr Teo

Have An MRI Scan That Shows
Enlarged Ventricles?

Understanding your imaging is the first step. Dr. Teo will review your scans and provide a comprehensive second opinion to help you and your family fully understand your treatment options.

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Why Patients Choose Dr Teo Kejia

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MOH-Certified Neurosurgeon

Dr Teo brings advanced neurosurgical training and 15 years of complex cranial neurology experience to every consultation.

Specialist Qualifications

Dr. Teo holds extensive formal qualifications, including MBBS (SG), MRCS (Edin), FRCS Ed (Neuro Surg), FAMS (Neuro Surg), and IFAANS, ensuring your family’s care is guided by a rigorously trained and fully board-certified neurosurgeon.

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Diagnosis-First Approach

Meticulous review of your scans and symptoms before any treatment recommendation, including whether surgery is actually needed.

Dr Teo Kejia

Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon

MBBS (SG)MRCS (Edin)IFAANSFAMS (Neuro.Surg)FRCS Ed (Neuro.Surg)

Career highlights:

15+ years of neurosurgical practice in Singapore
Fellowship training in complex cranial neurosurgery
Practising at Mount Elizabeth and Parkway East Medical Centres\

Area of focus:

Hydrocephalus and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV)
Complex cranial neurosurgery
Second-opinion neurosurgical consultations

Book A Consultation With Dr Teo

Billing, Insurance & Medisave

Shield Plans

Corporate & Personal Insurance Partners

Medisave and MediShield may be applicable for eligible neurosurgical procedures including VP shunt surgery — our clinic team will advise on your specific coverage after consultation.

What Happens After You Enquire

Step 1

Clinic Contact

Our clinic team will contact you within one working day to confirm your appointment and answer any initial questions.

Step 2

Your Consultation

Dr Teo will review your symptoms, examine any scans (MRI or CT) you bring along, and explain your diagnosis clearly.

Step 3

Your Care Plan

You will receive personalised guidance on treatment options, including whether surgery is appropriate for your situation.

get in touch

Book Your Hydrocephalus Consultation

Have a question or need more information? Please fill in the form below, and our team will assist you.

Our Locations

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre

Dr Teo Kejia (张哿佳医生)

Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon

MBBS (SG)MRCS (Edin)IFAANSFAMS (Neuro Surg)FRCS Ed (Neuro Surg)

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre

3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-11, Singapore 228510

+65 8877 3318 (24 hours) (WhatsApp)

+65 6956 6588 (24 hours) (Calls / Messages)

precisionneurosurgery.com.sg

[email protected]

Weekdays: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Saturdays: 9.00am – 12.30pm
Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed

Parkway East Medical Centre

Dr Teo Kejia (张哿佳医生)

Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon

MBBS (SG)MRCS (Edin)IFAANSFAMS (Neuro Surg)FRCS Ed (Neuro Surg)

Parkway East Medical Centre

319 Joo Chiat Pl, #03-06, Singapore 427989

+65 6956 6588 (24 hours) (Calls / Messages)
+65 8877 3318 (24 hours) (WhatsApp)

precisionneurosurgery.com.sg

[email protected]

Weekdays: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Saturdays: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a specialist for suspected hydrocephalus?

If you or a family member has been told a recent scan shows enlarged brain ventricles, or if there are combined symptoms of unsteady walking, memory decline, and bladder changes, a neurosurgical opinion is appropriate. Early assessment often means more treatment options are available.

Do I need a referral to book a consultation?

No referral is required to see Dr Teo. You can book directly through this page. If you have a referral letter or previous scans, please bring them to your appointment.

What happens during the first consultation?

Dr Teo will review your symptoms and medical history, examine any imaging you bring, and explain what the findings mean in plain language. If further tests are needed, these will be arranged. You will leave the consultation understanding your diagnosis and options.

Will I definitely need shunt surgery?

Not every patient with hydrocephalus needs surgery. Some cases can be monitored, others may benefit from a diagnostic tap test first, and some are better suited to alternative procedures like ETV. Dr Teo will discuss which approach fits your situation.

What is normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)?

NPH is a form of hydrocephalus that typically affects older adults. It causes a classic triad of symptoms: walking difficulty, memory changes, and bladder problems — and is sometimes mistaken for dementia. When correctly diagnosed, many patients respond well to treatment.

Can hydrocephalus be treated without surgery?

In selected cases, careful observation with follow-up imaging may be appropriate. For most symptomatic patients, however, surgical treatment (shunt or ETV) is the established approach. Dr Teo will explain what is realistic for your specific case.

Will my insurance or Medisave cover hydrocephalus treatment?

Medisave and MediShield may be applicable for eligible neurosurgical procedures including VP shunt surgery. Most major private insurance and Shield plans accepted by Dr Teo’s clinic will cover specialist consultations and surgery — our clinic team will help verify your coverage.

How long does the consultation take?

A first consultation typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. This includes symptom review, examination, imaging review, and discussion of next steps. Please arrive 10 minutes early to complete registration.

Can I get a second opinion if I’ve been advised to have surgery elsewhere?

Yes — second opinions are welcome. Please bring your recent scans and any letters from your current doctor. Dr Teo will give you an independent assessment.

Is my consultation kept confidential?

All consultations, records, and communications from our clinic are kept strictly confidential in accordance with Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and medical confidentiality standards.

Hydrocephalus Treatment In Singapore

Dr Teo Kejia (张哿佳医生)