low pressure headache after vp shunt

[ajay55]

My son aged 24 had a bilateral vp shunt for intraventricular neurocysticercosis, which was removed endoscopically from 3rd ventricle in january 2010. Since then he is having daily episodes of frontal headache which occurs when ever he is in upright position for around 4-5 hours , Headache is mild and gets releived by lying down for 10 minutes.
Can you suggest  the cause and some solution  to this problem.

ajay

[fourcloze]

My Son is almost 9 and has same symptoms and a VP Shunt.  Our Neurosurgeon prescribed us a belt in which he wears around his mid-section.  This can alleviate the "over-drainage" and hence the low-pressure headaches your son may be experiencing.  We are trying to research other things prior to having any kind of surgery performed.  The good thing is that the part that may be malfunctioning would be a less invasive surgery.  Good luck and I hope this helps.

Michael

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

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 a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms are that your son is experiencing. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Headache post ventricular shunting that occurs with an upright posture is likely due to low CSF pressure. The headache usually lasts days to weeks. It improves with lying down. The pain may be at the back of the neck. There may be nausea and/or vomiting. It is postulated that the cause is due to downward traction of the posterior brain.

I recommend that your son follow up with his neurosurgeon. The VP shunt may need to be adjusted to decrease CSF flow.

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