Ataxia s/p Brain Tumor

Headache, lethargy, vomiting would be the early signs. Yes, a shunt malfunction needs emergency attention. Does he have a programmable shunt? Shunt failure can be abrupt or it can be gradual. Hydrocephalus should not be taken lightly- people have died d/t shunt failures that were not treated fast enough. There was a sentinel event at the hospital I worked at years before I worked there of a baby with hydrocephalus. No one could reach the attending neurosurgeon over night and the resident decided the patient could wait until the next morning. The patient had respiratory arrested by the time anesthesia came to get consent and she died a few days later. There was Board Discipline for the MDs involved and, I believe, a large lawsuit.