Re: pseudotumor cerebri

Posted By CCF NERUOSURGERY MD on August 27, 1997 at 12:58:52:

In Reply to: pseudotumor cerebri posted by Kathryn Collins on August 26, 1997 at 16:21:27:







: Dear Sir:
I was diagnosed last year with pseudotumor by Dr Luciano.  He also placed
an LP shunt last December.  Since then I have gotten married and my husband
and I would like to try to have a baby.  I am trying to get all the
information that I can concerning any risks to me or to the baby during
pregnancy because of the shunt or the PTC.  Do I need to take any extra
precautions?  What should I look for that would indicate a problem?  Thank-
you so much for you time and for any information that you have.
Kathy
  


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Dear Kathryn,
Having a baby should not be a problem with a shunt in place for pseudotumor.  
You likely have a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt where the tubing goes into
the abdominal cavity.  You would be advised to let your obstatrician know
of the shunt so he is aware in the event of a caesarian section, as it is  
conceivable the tubing may be encountered at such an operation.  It is also
possible, though unlikely, that the mass of a fetus in the abdomen could
contribute to a distal obstruction of the shunt tubing.  In general there
are few problems and the pregnancy proceeds normally.
Should you have a problem with the shunt due to the pregnancy, you would
notice a return of the symptoms you had before the shunt was placed.  These
may include headache, nausea and visual symptoms.  If you do notice a return
of your previous symptoms you should call Dr. Luciano's office or speak to
the resident on call.
Good luck with the pregnancy.