title: Cerebrospinal shunt malfunction: recognition and emergency management.
abstract: Indwelling shunts to divert CSF flow are essential in treating hydrocephalus. There is a high incidence of shunt malfunction, which accounts for the increasing popularity of endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Failure to recognize and act on symptoms and signs of shunt malfunction may lead to loss of life or to permanent neurological dysfunction. This review provides the basis for assessment and management based on updated clinical knowledge.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department, Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield.
authors.forename: Arshad Ali
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Abdul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jabbar
authors.forename: Ashis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Banerjee
authors.forename: Geoff
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hinchley
mesh_terms: D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004630:Emergencies; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000601:surgery*; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014696:Ventriculostomy / Q000379:methods