Yes, you can fly safely if you have a brain shunt.
Flying with a brain shunt is considered safe as air cabin pressure in the plane is regulated and doesn't damage the brain shunt device or cause any major physical risks.
Although, the changes in cabin pressure on the plane can also sometimes trigger mild headaches or even temporary pressure shifts.
When you have a brain shunt and need to fly, you should carry a shunt ID card and keep your shunt medical device card and your doctor's contact information in your carry on bag.
The metal detects at airports are also safe for shuts, and if you have a programmable valve, tell the airport security before any hand held wand scans or special scans to protect the settings on the programmable valve.
Also watch out for any symptoms and look for any possible unusual head pain, nausea, or vision changes during or after the flight and see a doctor or seek emergency treatment if necessary.
If you have had any recent surgery to have the shunt placed or revised very recently you should wait for explicit medical clearance before flying.
When you have a brain shunt (such as a ventriculoperitoneal or VP shunt), you should generally avoid heavy physical impacts to the head, long periods upside down, and close contact with strong magnets if you have a programmable valve.
Physical Activities and Posture with a brain shunt:
Avoid heavy contact sports: Activities like tackle football, boxing, or rugby carry a high risk of hard blows to the head that can damage the shunt or surrounding brain tissue.
Avoid staying upside down: Hanging upside down or remaining in a completely inverted position for long periods can disrupt normal fluid drainage and cause discomfort.
Avoid extreme rollercoasters: Rides with intense, rapid g-forces, sudden violent accelerations, or fast snapping turns should be avoided.
Medical and Environmental Restrictions with a brain shunt include:
Avoid unmonitored MRI exposure without checking: Strong magnetic fields from an MRI can reset programmable shunt valves.
If you need an MRI, your valve setting must be checked and readjusted by a medical professional immediately after the scan.
Avoid pressing the valve: You should never push, rub, or squeeze the shunt valve underneath your scalp.
Avoid high-risk extreme sports: Activities like scuba diving or skydiving are controversial and strictly evaluated on a case-by-case basis by neurosurgeons due to pressure changes.