Hydrocephalus Canada supports research that will improve the quality of life for all individuals with hydrocephalus and/or spina bifida and their families. We work in partnership with hospitals, rehabilitation centres, universities and other research facilities by:
- participating in focus groups,
- distributing information about research projects through our newsletters,
- including information about research projects on our websites,
- endorsing research projects to possible research participants,
- advocating for more government funding for research,
- providing letters of support to other funders.
Hydrocephalus Canada Research Priorities
Hydrocephalus Canada chooses to play a role in facilitating research through a stronger presence in the research community and by influencing the creation of a research agenda (international and national) through increased collaboration with various stakeholders.
The following areas have been identified as important research priorities:
- better shunts
- better alternatives to shunts
- better/faster diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus
- better hydrocephalus management – better testing of shunt function/malfunction
- causes of congenital hydrocephalus
- long term effects of hydrocephalus on social skills in adults
- the management of bladder and bowel incontinence
- the social isolation of young persons with spina bifida
- better infection management
- the genetics of mothers with spina bifida