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Signs of Hydrocephalus
and Shunt Malfunctions

The most common signs are:

Congenital
(Signs normally found in infants and children)

EARLY Enlargement of the head
  Irritability
  Lethargic
  Feeds poorly/Decrease in appetite
  Recurrent vomiting
  Prefers to be alone
LATER Distended scalp veins
  High-pitched cry
  Increased muscle tone Enlarged and bulging fontanel
  "Sunset Eyes" (downward gaze)

Acquired
(Signs normally found in older children, teens, and adults)

EARLY Increased intracranial pressure
  Headache
  Decrease in appetite
  Lethargic
  Nausea
  Vomiting
  Double vision
  Deteriorating mental capabilities
  Irritability
  Restlessness
  Personality changes
  Incontinence
  Difficulty in walking
LATER Seizures

Please note that these are just the most common signs - and it doesn't mean that a patient who is suffering a malfunction will follow all these signs. And no two malfunctions are alike, although they may be similar.


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