Shunt reservoir

What it is

A shunt reservoir is a small, dome-shaped component of a shunt, usually located just under the scalp, that provides access to the shunt system. It can be used to sample cerebrospinal fluid or to help assess the shunt's function.

Understanding Shunt reservoir

The reservoir is a part of the shunt that a clinician can access with a thin needle through the skin — for example, to obtain a sample of CSF (to check for infection) or to introduce a tracer for a shuntogram. Pressing on or examining the reservoir can also provide some information about the shunt (though this is interpreted cautiously, as it is not a definitive test of function). Reservoirs are incorporated into many shunt systems, providing a convenient access point. They are distinct from the valve, though the two are sometimes located close together or combined. The reservoir is a useful feature for evaluating and managing a shunt.

Why it matters

Understanding the shunt reservoir helps families see how a shunt can be accessed — for example, to sample fluid to check for infection or to assess function — which is useful in evaluating a shunt over time.