What is hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is the abnormal accumulation of spinal fluid, called
What are shunts?
One treatment of hydrocephalus is the placement of a
What are some characteristics of children with hydrocephalus or shunts?
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A shunt can be seen as a tube tunneled under the skin from the head to the chest or abdomen. Often, there is a flexible plastic pump located on the head.
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Shunt tubes may require replacement as a child grows. Successful shunts usually are maintained for life, but there can be complications such as
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Mechanical failure, infections, and obstructions.
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Tubes that need to be lengthened or replaced.
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Shunt systems requiring monitoring and regular medical follow-up. When complications happen, a shunt usually requires some type of revision.
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Many children with hydrocephalus have normal intelligence, but some may experience developmental delays or have an intellectual disability.
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Hydrocephalus may be an isolated problem or it may be related to another condition such as spina bifida.
Who is the treatment team?
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The treatment team consists of the child’s primary care provider in the medical home, pediatric neurosurgeon, and physical, speech, and occupational therapists.
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Children who are younger than 3 years may receive therapy through
early intervention services. Therapists working with early intervention may interact with caregivers/teachers after the child has shunt surgery. -
Older children may get services through
special education and related services.
What adaptations may be needed?
Physical environment
There are generally no limitations to activity in a child with a shunt in place, although some surgeons ask the child to refrain from contact sports in which there might be a physical blow to the pump or tubing at the head.
What should be considered an emergency?
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Call parents for any early signs of shunt malfunction or infection.
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Fever
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Vomiting
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Irritability or lethargy
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Redness or swelling along the shunt tract
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Vision problems
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Loss of coordination or balance
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Headache
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Dizziness
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Sensitivity to light
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Call emergency medical services/911 and arrange for the child to be transported to a neurosurgical center for
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Seizures
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Extreme lethargy
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Loss of consciousness
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Behavior change
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Severe headache with vomiting
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What types of training or policies are advised?
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Caring for children with shunts
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Recognizing signs and symptoms of shunt failure
What are some resources?
Spina Bifida Association, 800/621-3141,www.sbaa.org
Source: Managing Chronic Health Needs in Child Care and Schools: A Quick Reference Guide.
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The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.