Final answer:
When the ventriculostomy drain is too high, it can lead to underdraining and persisting pressure on the brain. Conversely, if it is too low, it can cause overdraining and potential problems like ventricle collapse and hemorrhaging.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the ventriculostomy drain is too high, it can result in underdraining, which means that the pressure on the brain and associated neurological symptoms will persist. On the other hand, if the drain is too low, it may lead to overdraining, causing the ventricles to collapse and potentially leading to serious problems such as tears in blood vessels and hemorrhaging.
Proper balance between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and removal is crucial in treating hydrocephalus, and the rate of draining must be carefully monitored and adjusted to maintain this balance. Some shunts have adjustable pressure valves that allow the rate of draining to be controlled by using a special magnet over the scalp.