Hi!
Shunt malfunction can be diagnosed by your symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, lethargy, etc. A MRI helps detect the position of the shunt, size of ventricles, and condition of brain.
A shunt tap is done to test the fluid for infection and pressure. If there is over pressure, then the valve can be removed and new valve adjusted. Please consult your doctor regarding this. Take care!
The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.
Dear Dr Mathur,
Thanks for your reply, I apologise with the delay as I haven't checked this account for about a month.
I have yearly MRIs as I have recurrent Central Neurocytomas and that's why I ended up with a VP shunt after an aggressive craniotomy was performed in 2006, my 5th since 2000.
How risky is the shunt tap as my Neurosurgeon doesn't want to "fiddle" with the shunt he says until it's necessary and that I should try and live with the symptoms for as long as I can endure? I'm constantly tired and have slit ventricle syndrome.
I look forward to your reply Dr Mathur.
Regards,
Nicole