What are the signs of shunt malfunction?

Shunt Malfunction Signs

What happens when a shunt malfunction?

Shunt malfunction also referred to as shunt failure, is a partial or complete blockage (obstruction) of the shunt that causes it to function intermittently or not at all. When a blockage occurs, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates and can result in symptoms of untreated hydrocephalus.

How do you know if a VP shunt is functioning?

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 causes a VP shunt to malfunction?

Shunt malfunction may be attributed to multiple causes, including obstruction, infection, pseudocyst formation and bowel perforation. VPS obstruction, which is most often occurs in the proximal catheter, is the most common cause of VPS malfunction.

What causes shunt malfunctions?

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.

Is shunt malfunction an emergency?

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.

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 often should a 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.

How do you treat a VP shunt infection?

Treatment of a shunt infection may include removal of the infected hardware, placement of a drainage device, and use of IV or intraventricular antibiotics.

How do I know if my VP shunt is blocked?

Palpate to identify the VP shunt and the reservoir chamber. Compress the chamber. Difficulty compressing indicates distal obstruction. Slow refill (more than 3-5 seconds) indicates proximal obstruction.

Can a VP shunt drain too much?

Over-drainage: When the shunt allows cerebral fluid to drain from the brain’s ventricles more quickly than it is produced, the ventricles can collapse, tearing blood vessels and causing bleeding in the brain or blood clot, marked by severe headache, nausea, vomiting, seizure and other symptoms.

What happens if too much CSF is drained?

It is possible that the puncture of the ventricle or the opening of the dura will result in an intracranial hemorrhage. It is possible that if too much CSF is removed from the ventricles, either during a drainage procedure or when the ventricle is first punctured, the ventricle may collapse and occlude the catheter.

How many years does a VP shunt last?

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. Shunt systems require frequent monitoring and follow-up.

What are the major complications of VP shunt?

VP shunt complications include peritonitis, inguinal hernia, perforation of abdominal organs, intestinal obstruction, volvulus, and CSF ascites. Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt complications include septicemia, shunt embolus, endocarditis, and pulmonary hypertension.

Can a shunt last 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 do you treat a blocked VP shunt?

Management. If blocked or infected, the shunt will require revision/removal – urgent consultation with the neurosurgical team is required. In the event that coning is imminent and/or neurosurgical intervention will be delayed, steps should be instituted to maintain/restore cerebral perfusion pressure.

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.

Can a shunt be 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.

What is the life expectancy of someone with hydrocephalus?

Survival in untreated hydrocephalus is poor. Approximately, 50% of the affected patients die before three years of age and approximately 80% die before reaching adulthood. Treatment markedly improves the outcome for hydrocephalus not associated with tumors, with 89% and 95% survival in two case studies.

Can a VP shunt get infected?

VP Shunt Infection. Shunt infection is a common complication of shunt surgery. A proportion of patients with shunt infection will have a blocked shunt; hence, it is important to consider shunt infection in anyone who presents with shunt blockage relatively early following VP shunt insertion.

What should you avoid with a VP shunt?

However, people with LP shunts should avoid any activity which involves twisting at the waist, as this can dislodge the shunt.

What is cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections?

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord. A CSF shunt drains excess fluid from the brain into another part of the body. An infection can develop in the shunt. It needs to be treated quickly to keep it from spreading.