Factors affecting cerebrospinal fluid flow in a shunt.

Nineteen hydrocephalic patients were studied to determine factors affecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow through shunts. This study was based on our previously reported method by which fluctuations in CSF flow through a shunt of from 0.01 ml min-1 to 1.93 ml min-1 were identified, each having its own rhythmic pattern. While CSF flow in a supine position was less than 0.01 ml min-1, head elevation to 60 degrees led to increases in CSF flow from 0.12 ml min-1 to 0.17 ml min-1. Sudden respiratory changes such as coughing also affected CSF flow. CSF flows were higher than average between 10 pm and 7 am, and changes in CSF flow were related to slight increases in ICP during REM sleep. There is no relationship between CSF flow in a shunt and daily fluid intake which varied from 27 ml kg-1 to 103 ml kg-1, and no significant changes in CSF flow resulting from rapid intravenous injection of Glycerol and Ringer's solution.