Hydrocephalus/VP shunt problems

[briah]

I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus a bit later in life than most patients with it, I was diagnosed at age 12 (1999). Last year, I became pregnant unknowingly which increased my ICP, and a VP shunt was placed. As of lately (the last two months) I've had excruciating headaches.. every day, and numerous ER visits later, only to be diagnosed with a migrane. However, the last ER visit I was finally given something else, that some patients with VP shunts have 'shunt headaches'. I've never heard of this, and never had anyone else tell me anything about a 'shunt headache'. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? I've been told to look into pain management but have no insurance, so I think I'm out of luck until I can get some.. I'm debating on having the entire shunt removed. Could this even be an option? I just really need some help with this, I can't keep living in pain like this.

[don_m]

I had a hemorrhagic stroke due to hypertension in early 2012. I was taken to a major neurological teaching hospital, so that may have improved the outcome.  The neurosurgeon placed a programmable (Codman Hakim) VP shunt when my CSF refused to regulate its pressure properly.  It's only been in place for eight months now, and I have had no negative experiences with it.  I am blessed to have only minor short-term memory loss.  No problems with numbness, vision, hearing, headaches, or balance.  I have even gotten back on my motorcycle a couple of times (yeah, I know).  I was able to drive and to return to work (as an engineer) three months after the shunt was placed.  there certainy are risks, but I just wanted to let you know that the outcome can be good (so far, anyway).

[Threewheelmobile]

Yes high florenscent light makes the pain in the head worse. Put sunglasses on him. Bright light increases the head aches.

Good Luck and God Bless

[Threewheelmobile]

Hi I was reading about you being pregnant, let me first congratulate you on your having a baby, I wish you all the luck and happiness in the world.

Secondly your headaches have subscided because your hormones are working for the baby now. I am so gladd the headaches have subscided.
Bully for you!
Third there are other methods rather than putting  drain in. However, we would never have found out that we had this condition without the Neuroloogs help. They don't beleave in any other methods than placing a shunt.
I am not going to tell you how else we can get cured because no one beleives  me anyway. Everything I tell the physicans is not taking seriously.We all have to find our own way in life to get the best possible cure for ourselves.
I have a shunt with a lot of complications with the fluids not draining with just the drain.
I went to a homeopath whom helped me a great deal.
I still have the shunt in my head but refuse to take another step into the neurologists office.  They have greatly disappointed me in so many ways and for so many times.

My headaches are just when the sun shines now. I take a tablet to help me pee on these days.
I had a problem of falling face first to the ground. I now walk slower, much slower. I don't do too much in a day but regulate my tasks.
Otherwise the pressure builts up in my head.
I try to avoid salt as my body is holding fluids a lot of fluids.
When seeing the doctors they say your holding water but didn't give me any help . Other than telling me to exercise more and to get a healthy food plan.
Worthless advice ever. They still don't beleive me when I said , I fall face first. What was I going to do about that problem?  I said ; gee maybe I'll get a rolater to help keep my balance. He replied with, Yes then everyone can see that there is somethng wrong with you.! What a stupid comment coming from a proffessor.
Anyway I have not been back and hope I never will. When they start listening to the patient maybe then I will go back to a doctor.
You were right that a shunt can not be taken out but that is because it has grown solid in the bone of the skull.

Good luck luv .
May God be with you always.

[Zrybrq]

My sister was born with with spina bifida & hydrosephalaus. She is sensitive to florescent lighting and sometimes a lot of noise, esp if she has a headache.

[tondra22]

My husband @ 45 has been diagonsed with mild hydrocephalus.  The first doctor immediatly gives one option which is to put in a shunt.  After reading all of your posts I am sure that I need to get 2nd and 3rd opinion.  His symptoms are memory loss, concentration and vision problems.  No headachs.  His valves are 40% larger than average....so any advise from someone with this condition is welcome.  #unadvised

[Threewheelmobile]

If I  had known what I know now I wouldn't have put in the VP shunt either. Akthough it was touch and go and no other information was available. I strongly suggest to got see a Ortheomanuela therapist. and to check if your spine is inlinement. I did this and he helped me considerably. He became a Gp first and then took courses in the alternative cures.
Then I found my way to an accupuncturist that works with electrodes not needles that he sticks into the skin.
It looks like a bunch of mumbo jumbo but it gets results that have helped  me so much. Today is a sunny day and I do not have the servers throbbing in my head like I used to. My back pain was corrected by the Ortheomanuella therapist . It is so important that you find someone you can trust.

God Bless