Codman shunt fuse replacement

[bionictoothpic]

I have a Codman Programmable Valve or shunt.  I have not been under the care of neurosurgeon since my accident, and want to know when these fuses need to be maintained, changed? or not at all.  I have no symptoms other than the normal lethargy of my brain injury, but wonder what I will notice when this fuse decides not to work anymore.  What are the signs of the fuse malfunctioning? please? thanks....

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

I can not tell you when your shunt "fuse" needs to be checked and changed if ever. This is something your neurosurgeon needs to tell you. However I strongly advise you to follow-up with your neurosurgeon on a regular basis as he/she sees necessary.

I will provide you information regarding your question "what will I notice when this fuse decides not to work anymore?".

Our body makes a fluid which cushions our brain and spine called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid flows through spaces called ventricles and around the spinal cord and then is absorbed back into the blood. When there is a problem with this, whether due to traumatic brain injury, infection, a malformation (that may be present from birth), tumor, bleeding, and other infections, the fluid builds up and this is called hydrocephalus. The fluid builds up and causes elevated pressure in the brain. To treat this, a shunt is put in. As you know, a Codman shunt is a type of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt.

Shunt malfunction leads to build up of the cerebrospinal fluid. This is called hydrocephalus. Symptoms include headache followed by vomiting, nausea, blurred vision or double vision, trouble walking, urinary incontinence (not making it the bathroom in time and urinating on your self), changes in personality, fatigue, and memory loss. When the pressure is exceedingly high you can become unresponsiveness. If you experience these symptoms you should call your neurosurgeon immediately and go the nearest ER.

One concern when there is a shunt is infection. This can occur at any time and increases with time (the longer  the shunt has been in, the higher the chance this will occur). Symptoms include headache, fever, and changes in your level of alertness. If this occurs, you need to go the closest ER immediately.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[bionictoothpic]

Thank you.  I have learned an awful lot about this shunt.  I used to be very athletic, and for some reason I am not getting to a level of energy I used to enjoy.  Running is out, biking is, and has been a great way to enjoy fitness and will remain my primary excercise.  However, I am a "work comp." and until I return to being a dignified human again with doctors that give answers, I will not get any answers on my medical needs.  I have been MRI'd about five times without checking the setting afterwards.  As you can guess, when I found that out and let the "nurse, case manager" know, she was dizzy!!

I will continue to research and ask as many questions as it takes to drive them nuts till they start acting like responsible doctors and case managers.  Thanks for your help...............Dj :~)