Crack in cranioplasty

[ghost_writer]

I had a TBI when I was 6 years old and had plastic fitted into the back of my head to close it (cranioplasty). Some time ago however, I started getting some sudden pain (once I felt an electric current running through the back of my head; at age 40). After an MRI and CT Scan, it was found that I somehow developed a crack in the plastic part of my skull. I am told that it can heal as the bone has merged with the plastic. The pain is less frequent now but it still returns from time to time.

Has anybody had any problems with their cranioplasty becoming damaged over time? If so, how long did it take for it to heal? What sorts of material was your cranioplasty made of and what side effects did you have?

[cat3]

Maybe ask for more effective pain relief for the spasms and, if pain doesn't resolve within a reasonable time, go back to the neuro docs to see what the options are.

They'd probably prefer to avoid surgical intervention so long as healing looks promising on scans, but I guess your pain levels and how long you're prepared to endure the discomfort will be considered.

I hope the merging/healing completes soon to allow you a better quality of life...

[ghost_writer in reply to cat3]

Thank you. It's something that is due to go with time but I don't want to take any unnecessary risks.

Incidentally, if you ever need a serious treatment, I recommend getting a second opinion. In my case, the first neurologist suggested that the pain is simply occurs due to age (he only told me when I asked him about the pain) and he gave some medicine that I took a long time ago and had a bad reaction to it (I didn't take the medicine then). As an alternative, he was suggesting giving a steroid injection in my head (no MRI or CT Scan done then). However, when I saw the other neurologist, he said that if I have an injection in my head I could end up in hospital for 6 months (I didn't tell him anything about my previous appointment).

[cat3 in reply to ghost_writer]

I must say I was very fortunate to have highly credible and reputable neuros (both consultant & surgeon). Sorry to hear you had such bad experiences with yours !

All best wishes for continuing recovery... x

[ghost_writer in reply to cat3]

Thank you