Intracranial Hypertension

[mary2212]

Hi, my partner was diagnosed last week with Benign Intracranial Hypertension, since then she has been in hospital and been taking double dosage of Diamox, and received lumber puncture treatment.  However her condition seems to be getting worse.  She has been transferred to London where she will be seeing a Neurologist.  

How  long does the Diamox take to start making an effect?  If it doesn't is the next resort an operation?  At the moment we have very little information and would appreciate some light on how the "shunt" works?

Many thanks
Maryanne

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Thank u so much for sharing info on diet that has helped ur DD with PTC...I am sure it will help others here that r dealing with this condition as well.

May I ask, does ur DD also have chiari?

"selma"

[momaf4]

My daughter has been diagnosed with psuedo tumor cerebri four months ago.  She has gotten much better since we have cut out all processed foods.  The whole foods diet takes some getting used to, but has been the most helpful thus far.

[selmaS]

HI and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Here is a link on an article on diff types of shunts...it may help with some questions...it all depends on the size that is able to be used and what is the best option for her.

AS for meds we r all different and not all meds work the same, so noone can really say how long it may take  for these meds to work.

May I ask, does she also have chiari or a syrinx?

I pray she begins to feel better soon.

"selma"

[Pauline_Robidoux]

Hello!
I have been down that path too many times.  I would say that diamox begins to work within the 1st week, however in my case it wasn't enough.  
When Diamox doesn't work they resort to shunts, I have had both a LP shunt and a VP shunt. an LP shunt is a tub they place in the lower back and wraps around to the abdominal area (it's job is to drain all the extra fluid). The problem with this shunt is that it very badly irritates all the nerves in the back.  They had to remove mine because of that.
A VP shunt is a tube that runs from the ventricles in the brain through the neck and into the abdomen.  The problem with this shunt is that it can break apart easily and you can see it through the skin although most people think that it is a big vein.  This surgery is also very painful ( you are asleep but when you wake up it is awful pain).  Did she ever sustain a head injury that you know of?  that is how mine started.   Anyways it will be a long process but they will act quick.  If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask I've been through it all.