Severe Headache

My wife had an brain surgery to repair bursted blood vessels. A shunt (pipe) was installed from her brain to her belly cavity. Every thing went well for +- 4 years. She now has constant headaches in a very severe form. She sees flickering and stars as well as a shooting pain on top of her ear shell.
Could the shunt be blocked and remove not enough brain fluid. Is there an easy way to check the shunts operation

[rudyhorse]

My knowledge isn't enough to say what is the cause or speak on the shunt your wife has, I wish it was.  I would by all means contact her Physician and ask what they think.

Also, it sounds like she has migraine with aura (the flickering & stars)  she may need a medication for this.  Even a preventive med. to keep from getting these headaches.  There are preventive meds like Nadolol, Imipramine, or calcium blockers which also lower blood pressure.  Then for acute migraines there is Zomig, Amerge, Imatrex.  

It would be wise I think to contact the Dr. as I imagine this is something they need to know.  I wish I could be of more help, but our knowledge is limited, but I sure didn't want to ignore your post.
Best wishes, keep us posted please,
Tracy