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The following are signs that
your infant or child's shunt is not working properly.
Call if you notice any
of these:
Full or bulging or tense fontanelle (infant's soft spot on the top of
the head).
Normally this area should be flat or slightly sunken and
soft.
Eyes looking downward all or most of the time with difficulty looking
up.
This is known as sun-setting eyes.
Constant vomiting or loss of appetite, especially forceful vomiting.
Extreme irritability, restlessness that can not be comforted.
Sleeping more than usual with a sharp decrease in activity level.
Redness or puffiness along the shunt tract (along the tube from the head down to the abdomen).
Tenderness or distention of the abdomen along the shunt tract.
Rapid increase in your infant's head size (circumference).
Any seizures or convulsions - stiffening of arms or legs, or staring spells.
Any fever lasting more than two days with no other signs of a cold, sore throat, earache, or diarrhea.
Complaints of headaches and/or dizziness if your child is older.
Loss of coordination while your child is walking. Change in behavior or concentration.
Remember that your infant or child is unique. Follow your instincts if you feel the shunt is not working.
Courtesy of Neurosurgeons for kids.
Eric R. Trumble M.D.
22 Lake Beauty Drive, Suite 204
Orlando, Florida 32806
(407)236-0006 [phone]
(407)236-0007 [fax]Back to top
Can I touch the shunt site on my child's head while shampooing or
combing hair?
Yes, once the shunt site is
healed after surgery it will not hurt to touch or rub the area.
When my child has a cold or earache, does it travel to the
shunt?
No, your child may get all the childhood illnesses
and not hurt the shunt.
Your pediatrician will help you when your
child becomes ill with a virus or illness.
Can my child go up in an airplane?
Yes, the
pressurized airplanes do not affect the shunt. You may want to give your baby
a bottle during take off and landing to help prevent discomfort with the ears.
Older children can chew gum or eat crackers.
Is strenuous activity OK for my child while playing?
Yes, your child can play as hard as he can tolerate. Sometimes the
children get tired easier and require fluids and more rest time.
What sports can they play when they get older?
Any
sport that does not require repetitive "hits" on the head such as soccer is
OK. Football players must keep helmets on at all times. No bungee jumping, sky
diving or deep sea diving is permitted since the pressure is altered.
Can the children go swimming and diving?
Yes,
these activities are safe and do not harm the shunt.
What happens if a shunt infection or malfunction
occurs?
Your pediatric neurosurgeon will evaluate your child
carefully in the hospital and may need to change the shunt.
How do I know when to call my pediatric neurosurgeon?
Follow your instincts when your child is sick. Call your pediatrician
for childhood illnesses. If your child has the symptoms of a shunt
malfunction, call your neurosurgeon. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your
neurosurgeon.
Remember, your child can grow up to
reach his best potential.
Enjoy the time with each other. Back to
top
