text: if a child is born with water on the brain, will he loose the water there as he grows older?   the treatment of hydrocephalus involves surgical insertion of a shunt to allow drainage of the excess fluid and relieve the pressure on the brain. the shunt is a flexible, plastic tube with a one-way valve. the shunt is inserted into the ventricular system of the brain to divert the flow of csf into another area of the body, where the csf can drain and be absorbed into the bloodstream. many children treated for hydrocephalus are able to lead normal lives with few, if any, limitations. in some cases, cognitive impairment in language and non- language functions may occur. problems with shunt infection or malfunction may require surgical revision of the shunt.