Admin Table of Contents
- 1 How do you know if your shunt needs to be replaced?
- 2 How do you check if VP shunt is working?
- 3 What are the symptoms of a blocked VP shunt in adults?
- 4 How often do VP shunts fail?
- 5 What happens when a shunt stops working?
- 6 How do I know if my shunt is infected?
- 7 How many years does a VP shunt last?
How do you know if your shunt needs to be replaced?
Shunt Malfunction Signs
- Headaches.
- Vomiting.
- Lethargy (sleepiness)
- Irritability.
- Swelling or redness along the shunt tract.
- Decreased school performance.
- Periods of confusion.
- Seizures.
How do you check if VP shunt is working?
In many cases, diagnostic imaging, such as CT scans or X-rays, is performed to rule in or rule out shunt dysfunction. These imaging tests expose patients to radiation, and many times these tests indicate that the shunt is in fact working properly.
What are the symptoms of a blocked VP shunt in adults?
Signs of a shunt malfunction include headaches, vision problems, irritability, fatigue, personality change, loss of coordination, difficulty in waking up or staying awake, a return of walking difficulties, mild dementia or incontinence.
How often should VP shunt 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.
When should a VP shunt be removed?
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.
How often do VP shunts fail?
A shunt is a delicate piece of equipment that can malfunction, usually by becoming blocked or infected. It’s estimated up to 4 in 10 shunts will malfunction in the first year after surgery. Sometimes, a scan after the operation shows the shunt is not in the best position and further surgery is needed to reposition it.
What happens when a shunt stops working?
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.
How do I know if my shunt is infected?
The symptoms of a shunt infection may include:
- redness and tenderness along the line of the shunt.
- a high temperature.
- headache.
- vomiting.
- neck stiffness.
- tummy pain if the shunt drains into your tummy.
- irritability or sleepiness in babies.
How long do VP shunts last in adults?
Do VP shunts ever get removed?
Once the shunt has been proven to be unnecessary, it can be removed – typically as an outpatient procedure. Careful long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate for recurrence of hydrocephalus requiring shunt replacement.