1. shinecharity.org.uk
info@shinecharity.org.uk
42 Park Road
Peterborough
PE1 2UQ
01733 555988
Management of hydrocephalus
Shunt alert cards will need to be re-referred to the
hydrocephalus clinic via your GP.
A small information card stating
the type of shunt a person has
and the symptoms of malfunction. Baseline scans
Mainly for use in emergency
situations. Available through Even though you are not experiencing
Shine and your local Support and any problems with your shunt, it is
Development Worker (see overleaf advisable that a baseline scan is
for more information). taken when you are well. This will
help to determine treatment, should
you develop any pressure problems,
GP leaflet the consultant will then know the
size of your ventricles when well. If
A guide to hydrocephalus will you have not had a scan in the last 5
be sent to your GP on request. years, you may need a referral - see
Remember, you may be the referral procedures above.
only patient he/she has with
hydrocephalus, so he/she will
need all the information available. Eye check
Individuals with a shunt are advised
Referral procedure to have eye checks every 6 months.
Raised intracranial pressure may
If you have not been seen by a cause pressure at the back of the
neurosurgeon in the last 5 years eyes. Eye checks therefore assist
to have your shunt checked, you early diagnosis.

2. Management of hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus
Managed by a shunt? 3rd Ventriculostomy? Not managed / arrested?
Shunt checked in Have you seen a
Are you monitored by a
the last 5 years by a neurosurgeon in the
neurosurgeon?
neurosurgeon? last 5 years
YES NO NO YES NO YES
Ask your GP to A baseline scan Please see
Do you carry a
refer you to a maybe due, please overleaf and
shunt card?
neurosurgeon? overleaf for details continue
YES NO NO
Please see Do you have an
overleaf and eye check every
continue 6-12 months?
Are you aware of these symptoms listed?

3. Infants Toddlers Children
& Adults
Enlargement of head Enlargement of head
Full, tense fontanelle Fever Headache
Swelling, redness on Vomiting Vomiting
shunt tract Headache Fever, swelling,
Fever Irritability redness on shunt tract
Irritability Sleepiness Irritability
Seizures Swelling, redness on Ataxia
Sunset eyes shunt tract Personality changes
Seizures Visual disturbances
Decline in academic
performance
Confusion
Have you a combination Seizures
of any of these symptoms Sleepiness
at the moment? Incontinence
YES YES NO
INTERMITTENTLY ALL THE TIME
Options:
1. Contact GP (24 hours)
2. Contact consultant via Need to attend If you are already
secretary advice (9-5) specialist referred to a
3. Contact children’s neurosurgical neurosurgeon, you
ward (24 hours), adults centre within 4 will usually receive
go to A&E. hours of symptoms appointments for
4. Contact Shine on: appearing. check-ups every year
01733 555988. or so.

4. that an information sheet about
SHUNT ALERT CARDS hydrocephalus, specially written for
doctors, is sent to their GP.
Shine has a series of Shunt Alert
Cards, for adults and children. Teachers and employers can ask
These should be carried at all times for ‘Shunt malfunctions: a guide to
by people with hydrocephalus symptoms and suggested actions
treated by a shunt (this will include for schools/employers’.
some people with spina bifida).
The cards are available from Shine,
Telephone 01733 555988.
The card emphasises that, if the
cardholder is showing signs similar
to those which occur when there
is shunt blockage or infection,
urgent assessment of shunt
function should be carried out in
a specialist neuro-surgical unit
in order to eliminate shunt failure
as a cause. People applying for a
Shunt Alert Card can also request
Help us
Shine relies on people’s generosity and support so we can help our clients
who depend on us for help and advice - people with hydrocephalus,
spina bifida, their families and carers. To donate to Shine please visit
www.shinecharity.org.uk or call 01733 555988.
This information has been produced by Shine’s medical advisers and
approved by Shine’s Medical Advisory Committee of senior medical
professionals.
Shine - Registered charity no.249338
To see our full range of information sheets and to find out how to donate
to Shine please visit www.shinecharity.org.uk