Health Library

Shunt Malfunction Signs

Signs of shunt malfunction to look for in your child:

Infants

• Bulging fontanelle (soft spot)
• Unusual vomiting
• Irritability
• Sun-setting eyes (when the white part of the eyes shows above the pupils)
• Swelling along the shunt tract if your child has a shunt
• Lethargy (increased sleepiness)
• Seizures

Toddlers

• Vomiting
• Lethargy (sleepiness)
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Swelling along the shunt tract if your child has a shunt
• Seizures

School-Age Children

• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Lethargy (sleepiness)
• Irritability
• Swelling along the shunt tract if your child has a shunt.
• Abnormalities of eye movements, double vision
• Decreased school performance
• Periods of confusion
• Seizures

What should I do if my child has any of these symptoms?

• If your child becomes very ill (i.e., persistent vomiting, extreme sleepiness, severe headache, new seizures), seek medical attention immediately.
• Remember that you may see one or two warning signs at a time. You will probably not see all the signs at any one time.
• Call your child's doctor if you notice one or more of these signs. If your child's doctor feels this is a neurosurgical problem, please call our office at 513-636-4726 and your call will be directed to the appropriate person.