Hydrocephalus/VP shunt problems

[briah]

I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus a bit later in life than most patients with it, I was diagnosed at age 12 (1999). Last year, I became pregnant unknowingly which increased my ICP, and a VP shunt was placed. As of lately (the last two months) I've had excruciating headaches.. every day, and numerous ER visits later, only to be diagnosed with a migrane. However, the last ER visit I was finally given something else, that some patients with VP shunts have 'shunt headaches'. I've never heard of this, and never had anyone else tell me anything about a 'shunt headache'. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? I've been told to look into pain management but have no insurance, so I think I'm out of luck until I can get some.. I'm debating on having the entire shunt removed. Could this even be an option? I just really need some help with this, I can't keep living in pain like this.

[jojo2561]

i had a shunt put in as a child n i  ant came back to get it checked out im 28 now n i ant been having no problems i dont think should i go get a check up on it

[Stephied1]

I have been having really bad headaches for the last year now consistently. I have had a VP shunt for the last year. I had a programmable shunt until Dec 2013, then the replaced to see if that would solve the problem, it made it worse. I have worse headaches with the new shunt now and have lost both my jobs because I can barely get out of the house anymore because I am always so sick. I have pain and numbness on my shunt side of my head, numbness in my face and hands, feet and knees, have collapsed, double vision, trouble speaking,  and get super sick during these headaches that last any where from 8-40 hours long. I get pain along the tubing site and cant lay down.  I am convinced that they are shunt headaches and my neurosurgeon thinks im nuts and thinks im fine and thinks its just migraines. Its not.  Thoughts?

[terrydee61]

Yes, I have the same problem, I have a magnetic type shunt and that just means it needs adjusting, either it's draining too much fluid or not enough, you'll have to see your Neurologist, or Surgeon to find out if your shunt is plugged up, they will do a CT Scan or an MRI

[terrydee61]

it has to be replaced with another one, but you can't go without one, you are correct

[terrydee61]

Hi Briah, I know how you feel, I have constant headaches due to my shunt as well, they are excruciating like you say, I take Tylenol on a regular basis, but my body has become accustom to the pills they don't work anymore, I just had a shunt patency test done yesterday and the results were normal the shunt is working fine, although I do have an adjustable shunt I think the setting is too high and needs to be turned down, which means another trip to the Dr. good luck with your shunt, I wish there was a different way to deal with hydrocephalus, take care

[tasadoe]

the answer is yes. weather is a factor to. I have a shunt for 11 years now & will have to be replaced soon. the surgery left me with high sensitivity to flashing lights & seizures .flashing  lights can make you have seizures and some noise as well.I hope this helps you.