Cerebral aneurism coiled and VP Shunt

[Malc63]

It’s a year now since I had by aneurism coiled. I was left with hydrocephalus and a VP shunt. I’m interested to hear from people who have had similar. There has been a slight, but not significant change to my concentration, stress, memory loss. Any advice and ideas for helping improve or cope better with these changes would be welcomed.

[lcd8]

Hi Malc63. I have a cerebellar AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) that caused hydrocephalus when I was younger. I've had a VP Shunt since age 14 and this has needed revising 4 times now. I am stuck with it for life. As I get older I notice slight issues with my concentration, short term memory and balance (owing to the site of my AVM). If you think I can be of assistance or offer any advice please do let me know. You are not alone with this (as I once thought I was).

Lulu x

[cat3]

Hi Malc and welcome. I had a SAH almost 7 years ago and, though (thankfully) I escaped the complication of hydrocephalus, I assure you the after-effects you describe are truly par for the course after any type of brain injury. Most of us struggle with the memory issues and the loss of concentration & word recall, but it's a case of managing these issues rather than fighting them...……..and that takes time.

I think it was around the three year point when I started accepting my new way of life and, once that came about, I relaxed and started to laugh at my shortcomings rather than cursing them......….well mostly anyway ! You can either download information on your condition from the Headway site or phone the helpline on 0808 800 2244 (office hours - free calls) to arrange for printouts to be sent to you.

Best wishes in going forward ; it's a fair trek but try being kind to yourself whilst reaching the 'acceptance' point. Cat x

[SAH-survivor]

Hi Malc

It is 4 month since my coiling (no shunt) but I had a subarachnoid hemmorage. Even in 4 months, I know there is improvement...just very very slow. My concentration causes headaches but I sm learning to mansge it rather than fight it. It has helped me to go back to work on a bety phased return so I am re-training my brain to cope. I am only my third week in but it is getting easier. Try and be involved in work or hobbies and build it up. X

[Malc63]

Hi, Thank you for the advice. I was back at work after 3 months, and also did a month phased return. I have had to be better organised as my concentration is not what it was, but all is doable, just a bit slower than before.