Meningioma and post-operative shunt

[Sebastian49]

I am aged 75 and living in Leicester.

Last December (2023), I had a meningioma removed at the QMC in Nottingham.

I soon developed a swelling on my skull next to the operation site. It consists of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is known as a pseudomeningiocele. It doesn’t seem to be causing any particular symptoms – how can you tell, when you always have some degree of heavy-headed wooziness?

They tried a lumbar puncture, which didn’t work, so then I was admitted for a 5-day lumbar drain. That took the swelling right down and I felt much better, but the day after they took the drain out, the swelling returned.

Now there is talk of putting in a shunt. The reason I’m posting here is to ask for people’s experiences of shunts. Do they make much difference? I’ve heard of effects such as headaches and abdominal pain. If you’ve got one, is it worth it?

I know shunts are mostly used for hydrocephalus, but I’m most interested in the experience of people who had/have meningioma and meningiocele.

Many thanks

David Pollak

[U2dog]

Hi Sebastian. I had the same thing, CSF, following surgery but had a relatively easy solution to it that was recommended by my brain surgeon. He said to have a firm, constant pressure on the site and it might act as a counter-balance to the swelling, and close whatever it was that hadn't healed over completely. So, I took a headband and stretched it vertically on my head. The top was on the swelling, the bottom under my chin. If this hadn't worked, I was looking at the same treatments you have spoken of including and second brain surgery. But the headband worked and I never had to undergo any of that. I know your post if four months old and what I am saying might be too late, but just in case it helps in any way. Good luck.