Complications & Outcomes
Shunt infection
A shunt infection is an infection involving a shunt, requiring prompt medical treatment.
In short: Shunt infection
- It is a recognized risk of having a shunt.
- It requires prompt evaluation and treatment.
- Warning signs can include fever and signs of illness.
- It may require treating or replacing the shunt.
What it is
It is an infection involving a shunt or the fluid it drains. It is a recognized potential complication of having a shunt and requires prompt medical attention.
Understanding Shunt infection
Because a shunt is an implanted device, it can occasionally become infected, which requires prompt evaluation and treatment. Warning signs can include fever, redness or swelling along the shunt tract, irritability, or signs of illness. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and may require temporarily removing or replacing the shunt, depending on the situation. Families are taught to watch for and report signs of infection.
Why it matters
Understanding shunt infection helps families recognize warning signs that require prompt attention, since an infection involving a shunt needs timely treatment and may require addressing the device itself.
Common questions
What is a shunt infection?
An infection involving a shunt.
What are the warning signs?
Fever, redness or swelling along the shunt, and signs of illness.
How is it treated?
With antibiotics and, sometimes, removing or replacing the shunt.
Bottom line
A shunt infection is an infection involving a shunt that requires prompt treatment and may require addressing the device.
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