What is an external ventricular drain?
External ventricular drain is a thin, soft, flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted through a small hole in the skull into a fluid-filled cavity in the brain (ventricle).
The spinal cord and the brain (central nervous system) are surrounded by clear fluid (cerebrospinal fluidor CSF). The CSF nourishes and protects the central nervous system.
When is an EVD needed?
There are four ventricles in your brain that are filled with CSF. If too much fluid builds up in the ventricles, the fluid can cause pressure on the brain. The pressure raises the intracranial pressure (ICP), which may be life-threatening. An EVD is used to measure the ICP and to drain the excess fluid.
How long will the EVD be in place?
An EVD may need to be in place for several days, and you will need to be in the hospital. An EVD is temporary. If your condition improves with the EVD, a permanent drain may be needed, which continuously drains the fluid into the abdomen (ventriculoperitoneal shunt).
What are the risks of having an EVD?
Possible problems include:
- Infection of the central nervous system (meningitis).
- Headache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Bleeding in or around the brain (intracranial hemorrhage).
- Stroke.
- Seizure.
- Dizziness.
- Air in the brain (pneumocephalus).
What should I know about activity while the drain is in place?
Depending on your condition, your activity may be limited to the bed or chair.
Take steps to prevent falls when you are in the hospital, such as:
- Wearing nonslip footwear.
- Removing all clutter from the floor and the sides of the bed.
- Asking for help before moving around.
- Having someone stay in the hospital with you.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You need to change your position in bed or use the bathroom.
- You
have:
- Pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness.
- Changes in your vision or hearing.
- Weakness in your face.
- A very bad headache that is getting worse.
- Chills.
- A stiff neck.
- Seizure.
- Confusion.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
Summary
- An external ventricular drain (EVD) is a thin, soft, flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted through a small hole in the skull into a fluid-filled cavity in the brain (ventricle).
- An EVD is used to measure the pressure in the brain and to drain the excess fluid.
- You will need to be in the hospital while the drain is in place.
