vp shunt blockage

[klt3220]

I have a nonverbal child. The scar site on teh abdomen looks like its being pulled upward. I don't know if the shunt it tubing is too short (they said more length might be need around age 7 but she's only 5). Over the past few months she has experienced significant increase in seizures, irritability and behavior problems. we can get her to sleep but she is quite jumpy in her sleep and usually wakes up

[Cath278]

Hi. from what you are describing, symptom wise for your daughter, I think you should attend a Dr or the hospital as soon as you can. the poor child. It does sound like it is blocked.
Most common features of shunt blockage  are;
Pain, in the head and shunt catheter.It might feel swollen  and tender, around the neck,chest area.
Fever.
Very sleepy.
Your child would be disorientated.
May have nausea

I hope your daughter feels better soon. Cath278

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. Since your child has undergone a vp shunt surgery for hydrocephalus, the shunt needs to be re examined periodically for any blockage at either the proximal or distal ends. Since your child is increasingly irritable, has increased seizure frequency and behavior problems, these are suggestive of raised intracranial pressure and need an urgent neurosurgical evaluation and redo surgery and shunt revision. You will need an MRI scan head and abdomen to check if either ends is blocked causing these symptoms. Hope this helps. Take care.