My dughter was 4 years old when she had a VP shunt placement surgery for Intracranial hypertension. She is now 6 years old and showing interest in gymnastics. I have some concerns about her participation due to the shunt, but after speaking to a PA at Children's Hospital I feel overprotective. The PA relayed that she has no activity restrictions indicated in her record (her neurosurgeon is on vacation currently). I have read elsewhere though, that it is contraindicated to let her participate in contact sports or those that pose a risk for head injury. The PA made the point that the neurosurgeon has footbal players with shunt... to which I can only think, "they were protective helmets though."

Please advise a concerned mother!