[Complications of hydrocephalus shunting]

The most common problems related to cerebrospinal fluid shunt are obstruction, infection and overdrainage. The incidence of shunt complications is higher when less time has elapsed since the previous shunt surgery. Nearly all shunt patients end up with one or multiple reoperations. Thorough history, head scan (ultrasound, CT or MRI) and plain x-ray (shunt series) are the corner stones when reviewing shunt problems. Patients with obstructed shunt and increased intracranial pressure need urgent shunt revision. Shunt infection usually gives rise to fever with no other origin. Blood culture and shunt tap (CSF sample) often confirm the etiology. Often a neurosurgical evaluation is required to solve a shunt problem.