Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt
A VP shunt is a device used to divert excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to the abdomen, often in hydrocephalus.
When to get help quickly: Urgent hospital review is important if a person with a VP shunt develops repeated vomiting, severe headache, fever, unusual sleepiness, seizures, or a sudden change in behaviour or consciousness.
Common symptoms
The shunt itself is a treatment, not a disease, but people may hear about it when they or their child has hydrocephalus. Warning signs of a shunt problem can include headache, vomiting, fever, irritability, drowsiness, swelling along the shunt track, or return of earlier hydrocephalus symptoms.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when doctors need to check whether the shunt is in the right position, whether the brain ventricles are changing in size, or whether the shunt may be blocked or not working well.
What radiology does
Imaging helps confirm shunt position, assess ventricular size, and look for complications when symptoms suggest malfunction.
What usually happens next
Patients with shunts may need monitoring, adjustments, or revision surgery if the device is blocked, infected, or not working properly.
Need this done?
See which centers in Lagos offer it.