Shunt

[ftt1960]

i was told on Monday by my neuro-surgeon that I may need to have a shunt fitted due to hydrocephalus. My GP arranged for a brain scan after I complaned of constant headaches. I was told the scan was satisfactory but once it was compared to a previous scan the true picture emerged. I have been told that I may be given a lumbar puncture to ease the build up of pressure but will have a repeat scan in January before a decision is made. I really don’t know what to think. My head injury occured 18 months ago and my recovery was going well…or so I thought.

[bridgeit]

It seems from your post that you need to ask your neurosurgeon some questions to make sure you really know what exactly is happening inside your head and the pros and cons of what's being proposed to fix it.

If you haven't already, based on my experience as a patient (no medical training whatsoever), I suggest you make a list of questions to ask your specialist, such as:

What exactly happened inside my head following my injury; precisely what damage was done? Where is the location of the problem that's causing a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)? This is what causes hydrocephalus. Are there any alternative options to a shunt that would be suitable for my case, such as a venous stent to improve natural outflow from my head? What are my CSF pressure readings now? What should my ideal readings be? How will a shunt be regulated to make sure that my CSF pressure does not drop too low after surgery?

Note that too-low CSF pressure can also cause problems, blistering headaches included!

You should be kept informed to your level of satisfaction, which is likely to prove reassuring and empowering in equal measure.

Good luck with the way forward!

[ftt1960 in reply to bridgeit]

Hi bridgeit, the mention of a shunt was made for the first time on Monday. I have waited 18 months since the TBI for a follow-up neuro appointment. I was given another brain scan to see what was going on after complaining of constant headaches and being just a wee bit concerned. It was clear from the scan pictures that there have been changes to the size of the ventricles since the TBI. The next scan in January is to see if the changes are continuing. It will be at this stage that a decision about future treatment will be made. A lumbar puncture to measure pressure and to possibly draw off some CSF to reduce pressure was mentioned. I had this done not long after the surgery to remove the sub-dural haematoma. I am a bit worried and depressed about what could lie ahead after coming through so much. I can only laugh at my situation for so long. I will have my questions ready, as I did on Monday, when next speaking to the neuro-surgeon.

[bridgeit in reply to ftt1960]

I shall have all my fingers crossed for you; do post to say how you got on.

🤞 😊

[ftt1960]

Thank you, need to contact the consultant again, as aware of slight, soft bulge at site of craniotomy. A bit worrying.

[bridgeit in reply to ftt1960]

Absolutely right to contact your consultant asap. Do try not to worry too much meanwhile; they will see you quickly if necessary.

Following a lumbar puncture, I was advised to sleep at night with several pillows to keep my head and thoracic spine raised at about 35 degrees. I think that might be good advice for you too at the moment if you can manage it.

Meanwhile, try to relax this weekend and don't forget to put the clocks back tonight.

[FlowerPower62]

Hi, my husband had one over 3 years ago, it was very straightforward and he's never had any problems with it. When he had it done the surgeon was very relaxed and reassuring about it, saying this procedure was their " bread and butter". Meaning it's very common and very straightforward. Hope this makes you feel a bit better about it!

[Leonard68]

Hello ftt1960, In November 1979 I had a motorbike accident, my spine was forced up into my skull, both my spine and skull were fractured. I then had meningitis, and they inserted a shunt to relieve the pressure building up in my skull. I have had NO!! problems with it since. I do get what they call `ice-pick headaches. I`ts a very sudden sharp pain, but its due to the scar on my brain, nothing to do with the shunt. The only time I remember I`ve got it, is when I wash my hair, and I feel the dent in my skull, where they drilled the hole to insert, other than that, I would not think I had one. Hope this reassures you.Dave.