Treatment: Shunts
Shunt independence
Shunt independence is a state in which a person no longer relies on a shunt to control their hydrocephalus.
In short: Shunt independence
- The person no longer needs the shunt to control hydrocephalus.
- It can occur in some situations, but is not guaranteed.
- It may be considered when a shunt appears no longer needed.
- Decisions about it are made carefully by the care team.
What it is
Shunt independence is a state in which a person no longer relies on a shunt to control their hydrocephalus — for example, if the underlying problem has resolved or compensated such that CSF balance is maintained without the shunt. It is the opposite of shunt dependence.
Understanding Shunt independence
In some situations, a person may become shunt-independent, and the question of whether a shunt is still needed can arise — for instance, if imaging and assessment suggest the hydrocephalus is no longer active. However, determining shunt independence is approached cautiously, because removing or not replacing a shunt in someone who still needs it can be dangerous. Sometimes an alternative (such as an ETV) replaces the need for a shunt. Decisions about whether a person can safely do without a shunt are made carefully by the care team, weighing the evidence and risks. Shunt independence is not guaranteed and varies by individual situation.
Why it matters
Understanding shunt independence helps families see that some people may no longer need a shunt, but that decisions about this are made carefully because of the risks of being wrong — and that independence is not guaranteed.
Common questions
What is shunt independence?
No longer relying on a shunt to control hydrocephalus.
Can it happen?
It can in some situations, but is not guaranteed.
How are decisions made?
Carefully by the care team, weighing evidence and risks.
Bottom line
Shunt independence is no longer needing a shunt to control hydrocephalus, a state assessed carefully by the care team given the risks involved.
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