ICP Assessment

[ftt1960]

Has anyone had ICP, intra-cranial pressure monitoring for hydrocephalus.? I was told yesterday that I have to go for this procedure prior to a decision being made about having a shunt fitted. What I would like to know is how did you find the procedure?

[Life-Goes-On-2021]

Hi, yes, I did immediately after my bleed to release pressure from swelling as that was restricting the flow through the ventricles. I wasn’t too ‘well’ at this stage but think mri and ct scans confirmed that this was needed. I had a catheter inserted then. Other ways of monitoring mentioned were lumbar puncture ( a week or so later as the catheter blocked).

I know none of these sound very inviting, but they were in the acute stages. If you’re looking at a longer term issue ( which I assume as they are talking about a shunt) you need to pin down your doctors as to the assessment process so you get some clarity on what it entails.

Good luck.

[ftt1960 in reply to Life-Goes-On-2021]

Thank you for your reply. I had at least one lumbar puncture while in hospital following surgery for a sub-dural haematoma 18 months ago. Since then I’ve had constant headaches and was told recently that I have hydrocephalus. The pressure test is to give further information on the need for a shunt to be fitted, as the ventricles are still increasing in size due to increased pressure. Having folk messing about in my head again is a really scary thought. I ended up with MRSA and was very ill the last time.

[Shreds]

When in CC ICU I dont recall anyone asking if i wanted a shunt. I didnt even know what one was (isnt it when someone hits the back of your car? Haha 🤣.

Well I know now as I have made it my business to read up all about ABIs, TBIs and other brain injuries.

All I will say is that those neuros know what they are doing, generally do it very, very well and everything I later discussed with a couple of them have turned out to have come true.

At least having (as I put it jokingly) a drainpipe in my head means the hydrochephalus pressure never gets excessive and if any situation overwhelms me, I go to have a lie down or quiet moment or two sitting down and feel rejuvenated.

Quite bizarrely doing long distance endurance exercise that I have always done, even pre TBI, helps and I am more likely to feel fatigued doing much, much less, sometimes including clerical work which I rationalise as the exercise is getting a good circulation and oxygen to the brain to reduce stress and anxiety that may cause the fluid build up. Thats a question I need to put to a good neuro?

I was told before being discharged to avoid conflict, stress and anxiety. So that fits the pattern too.