LP Shunt

[Neon8RN]

I posted a similar question previously but noone answered, so I am trying again.

I had an LP shunt placed in April 2008 due to Intracranial Hypertension (aka Pseudotumor Cerebri). It worked great for a few months, but since then, has been over draining. The LP shunt I have is a one piece silicone-like tube with slit valves on the end. The valve is non-programmable, thus it seems to let off too much spinal fluid because the pressure is not regulated. Now, I have an acquired Chiari, which is only getting worse.

So, I am going to need a revision to my LP shunt. My neurosurgeon wants to place a programmable valve on the shunt. Has anyone experienced this - an LP shunt revision to place a programmable valve? How do they determine what the setting should be? How long were you in the hospital for the revision? How long until you can return to work? Have you had any problems since the programmable valve was placed?

Can you share your experiences with me?

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

The member u r replying to has not posted in 5 yrs, and is considered inactive....u may want to try and send a PM (private message) which will generate an e-mail informing them someone is trying to make contact.....

We do not offer recommendations of Drs, but we do have a list of Drs the members here have been to, treated by and liked  posted on a list in the Health Pages....the list is not a referral nor endorsement for Drs listed, it is there to be used as a means to start ur research of Drs.....
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Neurological-Disorders/DOCTORS-LIST-FOR-CHIARI-SYRINGOMYELIA/show/1062?cid=186

If u have ne other questions please feel free to start a new thread so more reply to u.

[Nicholel]

I am in Columbus, Ohio also and I am meeting with my surgeon tomorrow to talk about getting a shunt. Who was your surgeon and would you recommend him/her?

[selmaS]

Hi..and welcome to the Chiari forum.

We do not have a resident dr in this forum....it is a support forum.

I do have an article in my profile page on shunts u may want to look at....it is possible u need an adjustment to ur shunt be it the valve or a new type.

Do u also have chiari?

"selma"

[CDG1977]

i have had my shunt since birth.i am now 31.i have a valve in my head to pump to keep check but i cant afford to go to ns i have always had migraines all my life and since the past few years they have really really bad.like my own breathing sounds like a train in my head.i have dizziness,sensitive to lite and headaches for days and days.do i need my shunt replace now that i am alot older?

[selmaS]

I am sure if he is well versed on Pseudotumor Cerebi either he knows or knows someone that is knowledgeable in chiari.

Please be patient, I am sure someone with ur condition will check out this thread.

"selma"

[Neon8RN]

I live in Columbus, Ohio and have a great neurosurgeon who has excellent knowledge with my primary condition, Intracranial Hypertension/Pseudotumor Cerebri. Not sure how he is with Chiari yet.

[selmaS]

symptoms can cycle....be worse and then lessen, but chiari will not go away.
U do not have a chiari specialist, and u need one!!
did u mention where u r from in another post?.....we can suggest chiari drs to u, but I suggest u do research on ur own of the drs suggested.

we do have a chiari specialist list as a thread here on the forum....u can review the drs there as well as on ASAP or TCI web sites.

Godspeed
"selma"

[selmaS]

I see ur other posts were not here in the chiari forum, but in the neuro and migraine forums.....I haven't had ne susrgery as of yet. We do have members that have had the surgery and I am sure u will get a responce. I have heard that shunts r not totally ideal in correcting the CSF flow......and also heard that from time to time additional surgeries r needed to readjust the shunt.They can clog, shift....just stop working...or in ur case overworking.

Please be patient, I am sure someone will address ur question that has first hand experience.

I hope u contiune to post here, it's a great place for support!!

Good luck
Godspeed
"selma"

[daisy68]

I know that my NS is waiting to see if my symptoms get better....he commented that some with a Chiari will have symptoms for 2 months and then they go away...has anyone ever had sympoms present themselves severely and then go away? Thanks, Daisy