What are the signs of a VP shunt malfunction?

What are the signs of a VP shunt malfunction?

Shunt Malfunction Signs

• Headaches.
• Vomiting.
• Lethargy (sleepiness)
• Irritability.
• Swelling or redness along the shunt tract.
• Decreased school performance.
• Periods of confusion.
• Seizures.
  

  Why would a shunt stop working?

  Shunt malfunction is most commonly due to a blockage or some obstruction within the shunt system. If the blockage is not corrected, symptoms of hydrocephalus will return. In some cases, shunt blockage may require surgery to replace the affected component or components.

  How often does a VP shunt need to be checked?

  All younger patients with a shunt should probably be encouraged to seek a neurosurgical check up at least every three years, ideally at a dedicated hydrocephalus follow up clinic.

  

  Why does my VP shunt hurt?

  A functioning shunt tube may cause pleuritic pain or referred shoulder pain if the tube is trapped under the diaphragm. Infrequently, a patient may have abdominal pain in the setting of shunt infection.

  Can a VP shunt cause stomach pain?

  There are very rare reports of abdominal and pelvic pain directly induced by a VP shunt.

  How long can a VP shunt last?

  Shunting is successful in reducing pressure in the brain in most people. VP shunts are likely to require replacement after several years, especially in small children. The average lifespan of an infant’s shunt is two years. Adults and children over the age of 2 may not need a shunt replacement for eight or more years.

  Why is my shunt hurting?

  Usually a shunt is not tender and is a benign feature of the well child exam. New pain along a shunt or swelling around the tubing can be a sign of shunt failure. As tubing ages, a number of patients report intermittent pain along the shunt, particularly across the neck and upper chest wall.

  Can you have a shunt in your stomach?

  To help drain the extra CSF from your brain, a VP shunt will be placed into your head. The VP shunt works by taking the fluid out of your brain and moving it into your abdomen (belly), where it’s absorbed by your body.

  How do you fix a shunt malfunction?

  When a shunt infection occurs, the standard treatment is the surgical removal of all of the shunt hardware. An External Ventricular Drain (EVD) is surgically placed to manage the hydrocephalus while the shunt is removed and the infection is being treated.

  What happens when a VP shunt fails?

  A shunt blockage can be very serious as it can lead to an build-up of excess fluid in the brain, which can cause brain damage. This will cause the symptoms of hydrocephalus. Emergency surgery will be needed to replace the malfunctioning shunt.