I Have Had A VP Shunt More Or Less Since

Posted on Sun, 8 Sep 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 8 Sep 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have had a VP shunt more or less since birth. As part of my life, I take antibiotics, specifically amoxacillin, prior to dental work. A few days ago, I went in for a cleaning,and thought I'd taken my pre-med. I got home,to see the pills I had set out sitting on my desk. I took the pills immediately, less than 2 hours after the appointment, but now any headache I get scares me. The weather has had my allergies going nuts, so headaches happen, but I am scared that I have caused a shunt infection due to takign the pre-med after teh appointment.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I think there is not an infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.

I have read your query and here is my advice.

Since there are no new symptoms such as fever, worsening headaches, lethargy, vomitng, etc., I think that there is not an infection of the shunt that is causing your headaches.

In the other hand, anxiety that is causing this situation may contribute to headaches.

So, I think you should not be worried much more than necessary for this situation.

Only in rare cases, dental work may cause bacteremia and subsequent infection.

Next time remember to use correctly the medication as prescribed by the Doctor to avoid such situations.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad