In treating patients with hydrocephalus, cerebral ventricular shunts and their complications are often encountered by the primary care provider. Caring for these patients can provoke anxiety and doubt in those who have had little exposure in dealing with shunts. Becoming familiar with the clinical findings, etiology, and treatment of hydrocephalus, as well as the signs and symptoms of cerebral ventricular shunt complications, will aid the primary care physician in the management, treatment, referral, and continuing care of these patients.