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Dr. Ann-Christine Duhaime, MD is a pediatric neurosurgeon in Boston, MA specializing in pediatric neurosurgery, pediatric hematology/oncology, child abuse pediatrics and neuro-oncology. She graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. Ann-Christine Duhaime, MD is affiliated with Shriners Children's and Massachusetts General Hospital.
51 Blossom Street
Boston, MA 02114
55 Fruit Street Suite 331
Boston, MA 02114
Hydrocephalus
Normally, the brain is bathed in a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid cushions and nurtures the brain cells as it flows around and through the brain. Sometimes, cerebrospinal fluid does not get reabsorbed into the body properly, or a blockage in the brain can stop it from flowing. This causes a buildup of pressure called hydrocephalus. This condition affects a wide range of people, but it is much more prevalent among infants and older adults. Left untreated, hydrocephalus can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as headaches and blurred vision, and eventually may cause brain damage.
Hydrocephalus is most often treated with an implanted device called a shunt. A shunt is a long, thin tube that is used to drain excess fluid. One end is placed within the brain. The tube runs under the skin, along the neck behind the ear, and to another part of the body where the fluid can be reabsorbed. Most often this is the abdomen, but the chest or other areas can also be used. Shunts have a valve that allows doctors to monitor and control the pressure within the brain. Insertion of a shunt is a surgical procedure that takes one to two hours. Incisions are made in the head and the abdomen, and the shunt is threaded into place before the openings are stitched closed.
In cases where hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage, a procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy, or ETV, may be performed. During this procedure, a surgeon makes a dime-sized hole in the skull and uses a thin tube with a camera on the end (called an endoscope) to see inside the brain. The surgeon punctures a hole in the floor of the third ventricle, a fluid-filled space within the brain. The hole provides an opening for cerebrospinal fluid to flow around the blockage, normalizing pressure. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour and patients can often go home the following day. ETV can provide a permanent and safe alternative to a shunt, but it is only useful for patients whose hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage.
Dr. Ann-Christine Duhaime, MD graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She completed residency at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She is certified by the Neurological Surgery, American Board of Neurological Surgery and has a state license in Massachusetts.
Medical School: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (1987)
Board Certification: Neurological Surgery, American Board of Neurological Surgery
Licensed In: Massachusetts
Dr. Ann-Christine Duhaime, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Ann-Christine Duhaime, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, MultiPlan, Tufts Health Plan, United Healthcare, Aetna, TRICARE, Medicare, Medicaid, Humana, Coventry, Cigna, Blue California, Beech Street, WellPoint, Medicare ACO, WellSense, Senior Whole Health, Fallon Health, Commonwealth Care Alliance, Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare, Maine Community Health Options, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, MassHealth and WellSense NH.
According to our sources, Dr. Ann-Christine Duhaime, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
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Dr. Ann-Christine Duhaime is a specialist in child abuse pediatrics, neuro-oncology, and pediatric neurosurgery. She works in Boston, MA. Dr. Duhaime studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Her areas of expertise include neurosurgery, spasticity, and chiari malformation. She accepts Blue California, Coventry, and Viant, in addition to other insurance carriers. Dr. Duhaime is professionally affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital.
