Infant Shunt Complications Signs, Children Water on the Brain

Water on the Brain

When head surgery is needed because of a condition called water on the brain or fluid on the brain, treatment requires surgical implantation of a shunt. A shunt is a flexible but sturdy plastic tube. A shunt system consists of the shunt, a catheter, and a valve.

The medical term for water on the brain is hydro (water) cephalus (head) or hydrocephalus. Water on the brain affects approximately one in 500 children. The term water refers to fluids in the body.

It is estimated that approximately 1 in every 500 children are affected by water on the brain.

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What are shunt malfunction symptoms in children?

In infancy, shunt malfunction symptoms includes constant sleepiness. If sleepiness becomes a constant issue have the shunt checked out. Another symptom is change in appetite. Both these systems are vague but parents of babies who have water on the brain shunts must keep a keen eye on their infant.

In toddlers, shunt malfunction symptoms include headaches and seizures. Small children don't usually get headaches. Get help immediately. A dramatic shunt malfunction symptom would be a seizure. After one seizure, call your doctor immediately.

For school age children or anyone with a shunt system malfunction, vomiting will be a problem. Vomiting is a symptom for many illnesses but don’t overlook vomiting. Another shunt malfunction sign is when a child suffers long periods of confusion. Again confusion can be caused by other disorders and drugs but know your child and trust your instincts.

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