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
Call emergency services if you are difficult to wake, collapse, develop new weakness, have a seizure, or have a sudden severe decline.
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
Seek urgent medical advice for:
Fever, wound redness, swelling, warmth, pus or fluid leakage
A worsening or persistent headache
Repeated vomiting, unusual sleepiness or increasing confusion
New vision, balance, walking or bladder-control problems
Increasing abdominal pain or swelling
A bulging soft spot, poor feeding or unusual irritability in an infant
Do not wait for a routine appointment when shunt failure or infection is suspected.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine concerns, contact your surgical team if pain is not gradually improving, you have questions about the wound, or previous symptoms begin to return.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ventriculoperitoneal shunting. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.