Shunt

[ftt1960]

I posted on here a while back about the constant headaches I've suffered since my ABI. I have finally (18 months on) had my neuro-follow-up and have been told that I have hydrocephalus. I have to have another brain scan in January, though actually had one yesterday after becoming unwell during a hospital x-ray appointment, then a decision will be made as to the besxt treatment. One option, and probably the most likely one, will be to have shunt fitted to drain the build up of CSF. Has anyone had one and how was/is it?

At least I now know why I suffer constant headaches! I would also like to have a plate fitted over the wound in my head after finding out just how big (50p piece) the hole is. I really don't like being able to feel squidgy tissue, which is my brain just below the skin. Does anyone have thoughts on this?

[lcd8]

Hi ftt1960. I've had a Shunt for over 30 years after getting hydro as a teenager. It has been replaced a couple of times when it blocked. But other than that I haven't had any major issues.

[ftt1960 in reply to lcd8]

Thank you for your reply. I have two friends with shunts and both have had a few replacements. Perhaps I should get a door fitted in my head nstead of a plate across the hole that exists.

[Oppo24]

Hi, not had a shunt fitted so can't comment on that but have always had severe migraine-type headaches which on investigation revealed the AVM. Still got them after treatment due to the ABI, not constant thankfully but found over time that stress is the main trigger so trying to stay calm does seem to help. Fingers crossed not had one in quite a while...

[lcd8 in reply to Oppo24]

Hi Oppo. Just to say, I have an AVM too but mine is untreated. However it is/was the cause of my Hydro.

[ftt1960]

Thanks for your reply. I have no idea if my headaches are triggered by anything in particular. Sometimes I waken with them and other times they appear through the day but every day I have a headache of one level or another.