Conditions & syndromes · England
Hydrocephalus shunts
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This guide is for people in England.
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A shunt is a tube inside your body.
It drains extra fluid from your brain.
Ask your hospital for an emergency plan.
Keep the phone numbers easy to find.
A bad headache, vomiting or unusual sleepiness can be warning signs.
Fever or redness along the tube can also mean a problem.
Contact your brain surgery team immediately if you think the shunt has a problem.
Do not wait for a routine appointment.
Call 999 if there are emergency symptoms and you cannot reach the team.
Call 999 if the person is losing consciousness or has severe trouble breathing.
Tell the ambulance team about the shunt.
Tell the health team about other changes too.
Do not try to adjust the shunt yourself.
What you can do next
Please give me a shunt emergency plan and contact details.
Read Shine’s shunt medical alert guidance Web pageThis link opens another website.
It may use harder words.
Hydrocephalus shunts
Understanding a shunt, recognising problems and getting urgent help.
Children and adults · England · General information
Know your device and plan
A shunt is a thin tube with a valve that helps drain extra fluid from the brain, usually into the abdomen. Ask your neurosurgical team to explain the type fitted and follow-up arrangements. Keep a shunt alert card or equivalent record with emergency contact details.
Recognise possible problems
Possible shunt blockage symptoms include a severe headache, vomiting, unusual drowsiness, confusion or changes in vision. Infection may cause fever, redness or tenderness along the tube, or abdominal pain. Symptoms can vary with age and the individual. You do not need every symptom before seeking advice.
Get urgent medical help
For suspected shunt problems, contact the neurosurgical team immediately and follow the individual emergency plan. Do not wait for a routine appointment. If emergency symptoms are present and you cannot reach the team, call 999. Call 999 immediately for losing consciousness or severe breathing difficulty. Tell responders about the shunt.
Notice less obvious changes
Gradual changes in energy, concentration, behaviour or vision also need medical review. Supporters may notice that someone seems different without being able to explain why. Share specific observations with the clinical team, including when changes started. Do not assume a change is simply part of a learning disability.
Prepare everyone who provides support
Keep the contact plan available at home, school, college and with support workers. Record the person’s usual communication and signs of pain. Ask clinicians about device-specific precautions and everyday activities. Do not try to adjust or repair the shunt yourself; follow the treating team’s instructions.
Words you could use
“Please give me a shunt emergency plan and contact details.”
Where the information comes from
Links checked 27 October 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- NHS: hydrocephalus treatment Web page
How shunts drain fluid and why further treatment may be needed.
- NHS: hydrocephalus complications Web page
Shunt blockage and infection require prompt medical attention.
- Shine: hydrocephalus medical alert Web page
Warning signs and urgent contact with neurosurgical services.
- London Ambulance Service: when to call 999 Web pageFuller information
Emergency help for unconsciousness and serious breathing problems.