Cerebrospinal shunt malfunction: recognition and emergency management.
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.
Khan
Arshad Ali
AA
Emergency Department, Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield.
Jabbar
Abdul
A
Banerjee
Ashis
A
Hinchley
Geoff
G
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