Ventricular Shunt Obstruction/Infection Clinical Pathway — Emergency, ICU and Inpatient
Ventricular Shunt Obstruction/Infection Clinical Pathway — Emergency, ICU and Inpatient
Patient Cohort
This pathway is for patients with a ventricular shunt who have signs and symptoms concerning shunt obstruction and/or infection. Shunt obstruction presents variable symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, which commonly include headache, vomiting and/or altered mental status but can be variable from patient to patient. The pace of progression can also vary depending on underlying anatomy and ventricular system compliance.
Shunt infection typically occurs within 3 months of shunt placement or revision and should be considered in patients with fever. Fever beyond this point is typically related to another source, but shunt infection should still be considered.