Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for:
A child who is very difficult to wake or rapidly becoming less responsive
A seizure, especially a first seizure or one lasting several minutes
New weakness, collapse, serious breathing difficulty, or loss of consciousness
Severe or rapidly worsening headache with repeated vomiting
Sudden symptoms suggesting shunt failure or ETV closure
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact the child’s hydrocephalus or neurosurgical team promptly if there is a new pattern of headache, vomiting, irritability, poor feeding, unusual tiredness, downward-looking eyes, a bulging soft spot, or rapid head growth.
A child with redness, swelling, tenderness, or fluid along a shunt also needs urgent assessment.
Fever with new neurological symptoms or changes around a shunt may indicate infection and should be assessed urgently.
Do not wait for a routine appointment if symptoms are progressing.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For non-urgent concerns about development, school progress, vision, coordination, or recurring mild headaches, arrange routine follow-up.
Keep scheduled appointments even when the child seems well because hydrocephalus and its treatments need long-term monitoring.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Congenital hydrocephalus. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.