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