- 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.
What can’t you do with a shunt?
It is
okay for you to lie on the side of your head with the shunt
. For 6 weeks, do not do any activity that may cause you to hit your head. You will probably be able to return to work in less than 1 week. After your doctor says it is okay to remove the bandages, you can shower.
How do you know if a shunt is malfunctioning?
A shunt is said to have failed when any complication of the treatment of hydrocephalus requires surgery. Symptoms of a shunt malfunction may be obvious,
redness over the shunt, headache, sleepiness, vomiting, or visual changes
. Symptoms may also be subtle, change in behavior, change in school performance.
Can you live a normal life with a brain shunt?
Overview. Many people with normal pressure hydrocephalus
enjoy a normal life with the help of a shunt
. Regular, ongoing checkups with the neurosurgeon will help ensure that your shunt is working correctly, your progress is on track, and you are free to keep living the way you want.
How long does a 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.
How often should a brain 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.
What happens if a brain 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.
Does a shunt stay in forever?
VP shunts do not work forever
. When the shunt stops working: The child can have another buildup of fluid in the brain. Another surgery is needed to fix it.
How serious is brain shunt surgery?
Unlike most surgical procedures, in which the risks are highest during the operation itself, most of the common problems associated with shunting can and do occur at a later time. The most common complications with shunting are
obstruction, infection, and overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid
.
How long is hospital stay for shunt surgery?
About the Shunt Operation
The actual surgical procedure to implant a shunt typically requires about an hour in the operating room. Afterward, you will be carefully observed for 24 hours. Your stay in the hospital will generally be for
two to four days total
.
How long can a person live with a shunt in their head?
The shunt event-free survival is
approximately 70% at 12 months
and is nearly half that at 10 years, post-operatively. Shunts that are placed to channel CSF to other parts of the body may fail due to malfunction or infection. Infections occur in less than 10% of all surgeries.
Why would someone have a shunt in their head?
The purpose of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is
to remove excess fluid from a person’s brain
. Fluid buildup can increase brain pressure, which can be harmful. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt drains excess brain fluid, reducing brain pressure to a safe level.
Can you fly with a shunt in your brain?
Flying
.
Flying in a regular commercial jet is fine for most people with shunts
. If you were told years ago not to fly, it’s worth asking your neurosurgeon again as things have changed.
Can a shunt last 20 years?
A patient can
expect to have 2-3 shunt revisions over the
course of 20 years and the median time to shunt failure is just 1 and a half years. Paediatric revisions are more commonplace than adult revisions. Risk factors for shunt failure include: Younger patients (<6months), particularly neonates.
Can shunt malfunction cause death?
A brain shunt can be lifesaving. But preventable complications can develop, leading to
permanent brain damage or death
. If you or a loved one suffered complications of a brain shunt due resulting in permanent injury or death due to suspected negligence, we may be able to help.
How much does a brain shunt surgery cost?
The average total cost associated with an initial ETV procedure was
$35,602.27
. The average total cost associated with an ETV failure treated with a new VP shunt insertion was $88,859.05. Only 1 patient underwent a repeat ETV—at a total cost of $159,429.95. ETV/CPC patients incurred an average total cost of $63,260.80.
