Kind son

[pinita]

MY son had a cyst in the back of the brain and had surgery in may 2002, they put an opening because he neededt o have fluid to  drain. in 2007 we had a test in ucla to check is his  opening had not close, it was still open but he was full of fluid but had no symptom.  Since last Thursday has excruciating headaches went to emergency gave him strong pills his neck and back also hurts, can not drive, he is dizzy can not work. Help...please

[ggreg]

Oh, I think the opening they made in his head needs to be re-checked again.  Buildup of fluid in the brain could be taking place, so it's important to rule that out.

[pinita]

they think is meningitis not sure if it bacterial or viral but they are treating it as  bacterial, he got worst last night, headaches are back had to be given very strong medication, can it be an infection from his mesh from his brain?????

[ggreg]

I'm not sure what to say.  My impression is that if they put a shunt to drain fluid from his brain eight years ago, they should have removed it once the fluid levels returned to normal.  So, as long as they removed the shunt, nothing related to that device would have anything to do with his current situation.  However, if he still has an opening in his head, I suppose bacteria could get through there, which is how come I said they need to re-check that opening.  

Also, if he now has new buildup of fluid in his brain, the docs need to decide what is causing it and treat the cause.  You add in your second post that the docs think he has meningitis, and since he has been given medication to get rid of it, hopefully he'll get to feeling better soon, it takes a week or so for symptoms to respond to drugs.  

But if either the meningitis and I assume corresponding fluid buildup doesn't go away, then the docs need to check the opening in his head from the place where the drain was put eight years ago as a source of infection, they may need to see if perhaps he has another cyst there, they may need to drain fluid in his brain again, and whatever is causing his symptoms has got to be diagnosed and treated properly.  So, in a few more days, if he continues to have his symptoms, take him back to his doctor and let him examine him and do a more thorough workup.