Treatment of Hydrocephalus (Continued)

What Symptoms Should be Looked For?

Whenever there is a possibility that Hydrocephalus is causing problems, it is important to seek the correct help immediately.

Possible signs of ACUTE shunt blockage or infection may include:

Vomiting, headache, dizziness, photophobia (sensitivity to light) and other visual disturbances, drowsiness and fits.

Possible signs of CHRONIC shunt blockage may include:

Fatigue, general malaise, visuo-perceptual problems, behavioural changes, decline in academic performance, being just 'not right' from the carer’s point of view.

How are Shunt Problems Treated?

Shunt blockages that are causing illness usually require an operation to replace or adjust the affected part of the shunt.  Shunt infections are usually treated by removal of the whole shunt and a course of antibiotics before insertion of a new system.  Modern approaches to antibiotic therapy mean that such treatment in most cases can be expected to succeed.

Hydrocephalus and Fits

Although people with Hydrocephalus sometimes have fits, the fits are not due to the Hydrocephalus itself but are usually associated with an underlying cause (meningitis, abnormal development of the brain, neonatal haemorrhage etc).  As a general rule, fits in those with Hydrocephalus should be treated in the same way as those that occur in children who do not have Hydrocephalus.  An epileptic fit is not usually a sign of a blocked shunt.