Treatment Complications

It is important to understand that life with a shunt or endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) does require you to always be well informed and vigilant about complications. While some people can go 20 years or more without complication, with a complex condition like hydrocephalus, things can change quickly therefore it’s critical to be prepared.

It is imperative to understand the signs and symptoms of a shunt failure, also known as a shunt malfunction, or the closure of an ETV in order to respond quickly.

Seeking immediate medical attention can identify a resolvable complication and enable you or your family member to avoid brain damage or even death.

Complications of a Shunt Systems

A shunt allows individuals to lead full lives, but like any other long-term medically implanted device, it can malfunction, fail or become infected and this requires a shunt revision, which requires brain surgery.
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Complications of an ETV

The most common complication from an ETV procedure is when the hole that was created in the ventricle closes. This can put an individual in an emergency situation so it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of an ETV closure and seek immediate medical attention.
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