Pseudotumor Cerebri Support Group

Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is a neurological disorder that is characterized by increased intracranial pressure, in the absence of a tumor or other diseases affecting the brain or its lining. Diagnosis requires brain scans and lumbar puncture. Characteristic symptoms are headache, transient visual obscurations or transient visual loss in one or both eyes usually lasting...

761 Members

8,021 Posts

0 Online

loveyalots143 09/29/2014

Last Thursday my husband and I moved our overstuffed couch. I didn't notice any differences then, but the next day after setting up and taking down for a craft show I noticed my back was killing me. That night, and every night at least, I have been laying with a large ice pack on my back. I also noticed that my head feels as if it could explode any moment. The pain in my back has started wrapping around to my ribs and into my left hip. All of that being said, do I need to worry about my LP shunt? I didn't think I had any lifting restrictions, but now I wonder.

Thanks a million!
Kristena

JazzyO 09/29/2014

Hi Kristena, May I ask when you had your LP shunt surgery? If you have any concerns I would contact your NS asap. Do you feel like you are having any high pressure or low pressure headaches? You prob. had some type of lifting restrictions after your surgery for 2 weeks (or more depending on your surgeon)

I had a LP shunt and when my shunt tubing use to move slightly it would hit some nerves and I would get severe pain in the front of my upper right abdomen quadrant and my lower ribs. If I put a heating pad on it that would usually help the pain go way.

I am an Occupational Therapist and for acute back pain you want to ice your back for 20 minutes, take off the ice pack and wait at least a full hour, and then ice again for 20 minutes.
(You might have just tweaked your back but then when you set up and took down your craft show you exacerbated your back injury.)

I hope you are feeling better and go a hold of your NS. Hugs, Jazzy

1greenmnm 09/29/2014

Lifting in general is a valsalva manuver, it is known to raise intercrainal pressure. Be gentle with your body and dont do too much. Sometimes it take a while before you know what your body will and will not allow you to do. I say this with having experience with both a VP and LP shunt. If you just had the LP shunt placed, I would be cautious and would contact your NS. If it has been awhile, I would do as Jazzy suggests. Apply ice and be gentle. Maybe take some ibuprophen or a stronger pain killer if you have any.
Mal

JazzyO 10/04/2014

Hi Kristena, how are you doing? Was your shunt okay?

Join the Conversation