Hydrocephalus / Shunts · scheduled consultation
Hydrocephalus & Shunt Care
Consultation for hydrocephalus, an existing shunt, transition from pediatric care, ventricular enlargement, or questions about long-term surveillance.
When consultation may help
Bring the concern into focus.
Symptoms, imaging, prior care, function, and goals are organized into one clear clinical question.
Ventricular enlargement on CT or MRI
↗A change in headaches, cognition, gait, or function
↗A need for reliable follow-up after moving or changing insurance
↗Prepare for the review
Bring the evidence—not only the label.
Most recent and prior brain imaging
Shunt type, setting, and operative history
Prior shunt series, hospital, and neurosurgery records
A symptom timeline and baseline function
How this concern is approached.
Long-term context matters. The visit organizes shunt history, current symptoms, prior imaging, baseline function, and the question that needs to be answered now.
Understand the decision
The details that shape the plan.
Why does earlier shunt history matter?
Past operations, valve settings and prior scans provide a baseline for assessing current symptoms. Bring the device information if available and describe how you usually function when well.
Does follow-up continue after shunt surgery?
Yes. Shunts require ongoing follow-up because problems can occur after placement. Ask about device-specific precautions, the follow-up schedule and whom to contact if your usual symptoms return.
Should possible shunt problems wait for an appointment?
Do not rely on the website form for an urgent concern. Seek urgent assessment for significant or rapidly worsening neurologic symptoms. The treating team should give you clear instructions for your device and medical history.
A disciplined visit
Listen. Review. Explain. Plan.
Listen
Clarify symptoms, timing, prior care, health history, daily impact, and goals.
Review
Place actual imaging, reports, comparison studies, and records in clinical context.
Explain
Translate the finding, real uncertainty, and reasonable options into plain language.
Plan
Define who owns testing, follow-up, referral, conservative care, or surgery when appropriate.
Leadership behind the care
Clinical focus. Operational discipline.
Dr. Stacey E. Podkovik
Dr. Podkovik leads neurosurgical evaluation across brain and spine concerns, connecting symptoms, imaging, prior care, and patient goals into a careful clinical interpretation and practical next step.
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, supports the practice through physician-led management, care coordination, and reliable systems. Dr. Stacey Podkovik leads neurosurgical evaluation and treatment.
When symptoms should not wait.
Severe or rapidly worsening headache, repeated vomiting, marked sleepiness, seizure, loss of consciousness, new weakness, or concern for shunt malfunction requires emergency evaluation.
Sources behind this overview
Patient education from established clinical organizations.
These links support the general educational overview. They do not replace a clinician’s interpretation of an individual history, examination, or imaging.
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Every pathway stays connected.
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General educational information only. This page does not replace a medical evaluation. Calling the office, using the navigator, or reading this page does not establish a physician-patient relationship. The Care Navigator is scripted and does not diagnose or triage.