Malfunctioning Shunt Systems

The following are signs that your infant or child's shunt is not working properly.
Call if you notice any of these:

1. 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. 
2. Eyes looking downward all or most of the time with difficulty looking up.
   This is known as sun-setting eyes. 
3. Constant vomiting or loss of appetite, especially forceful vomiting. 
4. Extreme irritability, restlessness that can not be comforted. 
5. Sleeping more than usual with a sharp decrease in activity level.
6. Redness or puffiness along the shunt tract (along the tube from the head down to the abdomen).
7. Tenderness or distention of the abdomen along the shunt tract. 
8. Rapid increase in your infant's head size (circumference). 
9. Any seizures or convulsions - stiffening of arms or legs, or staring spells.
10. Any fever lasting more than two days with no other signs of a cold, sore throat, earache, or diarrhea.
11. Complaints of headaches and/or dizziness if your child is older. 
12. 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]