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Headaches
by Carolo, Feb 01, 2007 12:00AM
My daughter had surgery on a chiari malformation about 14 months ago. As a result of a leak in patch, she had a VP shunt inserted to drain a build up of spinal fluid.
Since that time she has had headaches every day, sometimes spending the entire day (or several days in a row) in a dark room. She was hospitalized for 5 days in July for bad headaches and we were told they were rebound headaches. We promptly took her off of over the counter headache medication (which by the way, we had been told to give her by her neurologist). We were also told at this time that they doubt she has hydrocephalus and that the shunt is probably not necessary. But the headaches continue. She is being treated for migraines, each medication she is given works for a while for the severe headaches, but eventually stops. Meanwhile, she has headaches almost all of the time in the location where her shunt was inserted. She also has frequent pains in her stomache from the shunt poking (she can feel the shunt).
We go back to the neurosurgeon on Monday. HOwever, he tells me these probelms aren't related to her surgeries. The neurologist told me that she is on the last medicine he has to give her for the migraines.
Has anyone else experienced headaches from their shunt that weren't related to pressure? Any suggestions?
Since that time she has had headaches every day, sometimes spending the entire day (or several days in a row) in a dark room. She was hospitalized for 5 days in July for bad headaches and we were told they were rebound headaches. We promptly took her off of over the counter headache medication (which by the way, we had been told to give her by her neurologist). We were also told at this time that they doubt she has hydrocephalus and that the shunt is probably not necessary. But the headaches continue. She is being treated for migraines, each medication she is given works for a while for the severe headaches, but eventually stops. Meanwhile, she has headaches almost all of the time in the location where her shunt was inserted. She also has frequent pains in her stomache from the shunt poking (she can feel the shunt).
We go back to the neurosurgeon on Monday. HOwever, he tells me these probelms aren't related to her surgeries. The neurologist told me that she is on the last medicine he has to give her for the migraines.
Has anyone else experienced headaches from their shunt that weren't related to pressure? Any suggestions?
Member Comments (2)
by SJTM, Feb 24, 2007 12:00AM
I have had headaches and feel the shunt poking in my stomach all the time. Hopefully I'll adjust. I just got my shunt in Dec. had 2 revisions in a week. I am sorry for what your child is going through, but I have been told there is an adjustment period for this. Lots of people have these shunts and do well, so I'm hoping for the best for us! Neurosurgeon hasn't been a lot of help with answering questions. He keeps saying I'm supposed to live a normal life...period. by the way. I'm 53.
by kelmike66, Aug 30, 2009 10:56AM
To: Carlo
You should not be able to feel the shunt the shunt in your stomach, That is a problem,that was one of the main things i was told to watch for along with sever headache pain. Please get a secant opinion.I don't know how old she is but may look into a pediatric neurosurgeon.
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