Hydrocephalus Canada is proud to announce the 2025 Hydrocephalus Canada Research Award recipients, recognizing two outstanding Canadian researchers whose work will improve care, outcomes, and quality of life for people living with hydrocephalus, including normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), and for youth living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
This year, Hydrocephalus Canada is awarding two research grants of $20,000 each, supporting innovative projects focused on rehabilitation after hydrocephalus surgery and reducing isolation through digital connection for youth living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.
These awards are made possible through the support of our charitable gaming partners, including Delta Bingo and Charitable Gaming. Community Good.
Why Hydrocephalus Research Matters
Hydrocephalus affects people of all ages—from infants and children to adults and older adults—and it can have lifelong impacts on mobility, cognition, independence, and mental health.
By funding research that improves clinical outcomes, rehabilitation pathways, and social support systems, Hydrocephalus Canada is working to ensure that individuals and families have access to better care and better quality of life.
The 2025 Hydrocephalus Canada Research Awards support critical areas of need, including:
Better recovery and function after shunt surgery
Improved mobility and balance outcomes
Reduced isolation and stronger peer connection for youth
More inclusive community support through technology
Dr. Alfonso Fasano
Professor, Department of Medicine (Division of Neurology)
Toronto Western Hospital (UHN)
Research Grant: $20,000
Research Title
Optimizing Function for Individuals with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, through individualized and time-sensitive rehabilitation
Research Project Summary
Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain. This can lead to increased pressure and symptoms such as walking difficulties (gait issues), confusion/cognitive changes, and incontinence.
Many people with NPH benefit from surgery to redirect the fluid elsewhere in the body, often through a shunt procedure. This can reduce symptoms and improve function. However, emerging evidence suggests that individuals may experience even stronger recovery when rehabilitation is introduced at the right time after surgery.
Dr. Fasano’s research will explore the impact of an exercise-oriented rehabilitation program delivered 3 to 4 months after shunt surgery—a time when the shunt is typically working at its best and when patients may be positioned to gain the greatest improvements in mobility, balance, walking confidence, and overall independence.
This study will help determine how time-sensitive rehabilitation could become an important part of best practices for NPH recovery and long-term functional outcomes.
Dr. Amy McPherson
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Senior Scientist and Associate Professor
Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Toronto
Research Grant: $20,000
Research Title
How do youth with spina bifida and hydrocephalus use digital environments to make meaningful connections and reduce isolation?
Research Project Summary
Youth living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus (SBH) can face barriers that affect in-person social inclusion, including physical accessibility challenges, fatigue, cognitive impacts, and social stigma. This can contribute to social isolation, particularly during adolescence and young adulthood.
Dr. McPherson’s research will explore how young people use digital environments (DEs)—including social media platforms, online forums, gaming communities, and peer support groups—to build meaningful social connections, strengthen identity, and reduce isolation.
The project will include semi-structured interviews with:
10–15 youth aged 14–24, and
10–15 parents or caregivers
The study will focus on four key objectives:
Understanding youth experiences using digital spaces for connection and support
Exploring caregiver perspectives on helping youth navigate digital communities
Identifying which digital features help reduce isolation most effectively
Documenting risks, challenges, and barriers youth may encounter online
Findings from this study will help inform tools and guidance for:
Youth living with SBH
Parents and caregivers
Healthcare professionals and rehabilitation teams
Digital platform and community developers
Ultimately, this work will support the creation of safer, more inclusive, and more supportive online spaces—and contribute to evidence-based strategies that improve social well-being for youth living with SBH.
Thank You to Our Supporters
Hydrocephalus Canada gratefully acknowledges the support of our charitable gaming partners and community sponsors. These research awards are made possible through the generosity of those who support Hydrocephalus Canada through charitable gaming initiatives.
Learn More
To learn more about hydrocephalus, normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), or spina bifida and hydrocephalus, visit our resource library:
✅ Hydrocephalus resources page
✅ Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)Â
✅ Spina Bifida supports/resources
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