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$Title{What Does "Perform a Shunt" Mean?}
$Subject{special procedure procedures brain water cerebrospinal fluid CSF
pressure skull headaches consciousness vomiting mental disturbances motor
functions shunt device surgical surgery surgeries operation operations
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Does "Perform a Shunt" Mean?


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QUESTION:  Will you please explain the meaning of the terms  "perform a shunt"
because there is too much water on the brain?  This information is very
important to my family and me.

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ANSWER:  Our brains are normally bathed in a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid
(CSF), but when masses occur within the skull, such as in cases of brain tumor
or when the CSF is produced in excess quantities, or in the last case, when
the flow of this fluid is blocked from its normal exit routes, increased
pressure is built up within the skull.  This pressure can cause headaches,
changes in the levels of consciousness, vomiting, mental disturbances, and
even disturb many of the motor functions of our muscles and nerves.  In order
to reduce the pressure, a shunt device is put into place.  A shunt is made of
a narrow piece of tubing which connects a normally occurring cavity within the
brain to another portion of the body where the fluid may be drained off.  The
surgical procedure used to place the shunt device is relatively easy.  A small
hole is placed in the skull and the tubing is passed through the skull-bone to
the ventricle (cavity) within the brain.  The other end of the tube or
catheter passes under the skin, down the back of the neck, and frequently
empties into the abdominal cavity.
     Patients with shunts must be watched carefully, and the family should be
properly advised as to symptoms of complications and care.  If your interest
in this procedure is more than academic because someone in your family
requires the procedure, let me advise you most strongly to obtain exact
instructions from your surgeon about the procedure, and most important, all
the details about the care that is required for these patients.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.