Regardless of the type of surgery used to treat hydrocephalus, you and your doctor will need to keep an eye on your child frequently to determine if the cerebrospinal fluid in the shunt is clear. Intracranial pressure may rise again after surgery, or infection and blockage of the tube may occur. These conditions need to be addressed promptly to avoid permanent brain damage. Frequent crying, anorexia, lethargy, or vomiting after surgery may indicate that the infant’s intracranial pressure has risen again. In older children, headache, loss of vision, blurred consciousness, slurred speech, or unsteady walking may occur. Shunt infections can present with fever, or redness and swelling of the skin around the shunt. As your child grows, you need to be aware of abnormalities in brain development, including learning disabilities, motor dysfunction, and speech disorders. You should inform your doctor when you notice new symptoms. The process of watching your child for signs of hydrocephalus recurrence can be arduous and will be challenging for you if your child has any special needs. You also need to take care of yourself and ask your doctor or the appropriate organization for help.