A shunt is a common surgical procedure to treat hydrocephalus. The major components of a shunt are a valve and soft tubing. An understanding of hydrocephalus is required to understand the shunt and the malfunctions.
Hydrocephalus is a medical condition in which too much CSF is not absorbed. The purpose of the shunt is to drain the excess fluid from the brain.
The malfunctions in a shunt are categorized into three different groups; infants, toddlers and school age children. The malfunctions vary differently between age groups.
Infants-
Malfunction #1: Sleepiness is a very common sign of being tired. This symptom doesn’t always mean the shunt is malfunctioning. If the sleepiness becomes a constant issue than have the shunt checked out. Do not rely on this s symptom alone.
Malfunction #2: An appetite change could mean numerous issues. The baby may not be hungry. The appetite of an infant needs to be monitored closely. Usually an appetite change is often a key problem in the infant.
Toddlers-
Malfunction #1: Headaches in small children is something to be concerned about. Small children don’t get headaches that often. If the headache persists and no medication seems to work than the doctor should be notified immediately.
Malfunction #2: Seizures seem to alert parents more quickly to a malfunction in the shunt. After one seizure episode a doctor should be notified. A seizure can mean many medical concerns. Do not over look this symptom.
School age children-
Malfunction #1: Vomiting is a sign illness lurks nearby. This symptom is a classic concern for many illnesses. A shunt gone wrong can cause anyone to vomit. This symptom may mean other problems, not just a shunt malfunction.
Malfunction #2: Confusion in a child may or not be a sign of the shunt needing to be revised. Most children who suffer from periods of confusion may have an issue with their shunt. Be aware that periods of confusion may be a result of other serious medical conditions.
Every child with a shunt responds and reacts differently when it malfunctions. Most of the symptoms involved with the shunt are quite similar. A shunt malfunction can lead to many other serious health problems such as infections.
A shunt is one method to treating and managing hydrocephalus. Another risky operation is available, only in cases where the hydrocephalus is a result of a genetic disorder. Shunts are more recommended to treat and manage a condition such as this.
Malfunctions can occur at any given time. The examples of malfunctions are just a few that are mentioned in this text. There are many others to be concerned about. The symptoms will vary between children and adults.
If a malfunction occurs and the symptoms aren’t mentioned, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor. They are there to help you. No question is a stupid one. So ask away. A malfunction in a shunt could be fatal. There is no guarantee what could honestly happen to your child if a malfunction in a shunt isn’t taken care of right away.
A malfunction in a shunt could possibly lead to irreversible brain damage. Brain damage is a major concern for those patients who have shunts. Shunts are not perfect. Some shunts may never fail. A shunt has no guarantee to when it will malfunction. Every device is different.
Be aware of the signs, it may not be a malfunctioning of the shunt but other serious illnesses. Anything is possible. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if any sign of sickness is detected in the patient. Failure to check out the symptoms could result in serious brain damage that will be irreversible.
Sources:
Cincinnati Children’s, “http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/neurology/treat/shunts.htm”
Cincinnati Children’s, “http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/neurologytreat/shunt-malfuntion.htm”
