Headache answers

[Sam1971]

I have had chronic headaches nearly 21 year, and they replaced a shunt 21 years ago. I asked the doctors if it could be my shunt. I have no noticeable infection, no noticeable leak. I keep hearing people get headaches, this is from my neurosurgeon. What am I am I not seeing, or asking my doctors. I can't live like this. With in the last 3 months the headaches got worse and I can no longer work. Soon my leave from work will be permanent. At least I Know I'm not alone I have so much support and love, and God gives me the all His grace and mercy.
Shelly

[Sam1971]

Dr Noopur MD thank you for your comments. I saw my neurosurgeon. he said from looking at me it didn't look like infection, or leak. All I know is for  nearly 21 years I have been getting these headaches, it's been 21 years with this shunt.  And, now I am off work because of them.  I will be getting a lumbar tap soon to see about the pressure in my head, could that tell us more? I also wondered, how long do shunt normal work effectively.
Shelly

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
The symptom of headache in a patient with shunt surgery does raise the suspicion of shunt blockade or infection. A thorough clinical evaluation is a must to rule out the possibility of infection in the shunt.
It is important that if there is a shunt obstruction it is identified at the earliest since shunt revision surgery usually helps with the symptoms. There is a possibility that you need shunt replacement sine you’ve had one for more than 21 years.