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...
Has anyone with a VP shunt have a LP done anytime after their surgery to check their pressure? I was wondering because I have been experiencing some dizziness and whooshing noises in my ear and was wondering if it could be related to my pressure? I was thinking about calling my NS, but didn't want to overreact since it has been about a year now since getting my VP Shunt. Thanks! GB Fan
It sounds to me , Im afraid , that your pressure has gotten high again.
I know when mine is on the climb because of the nausea, dizzness and whooshing in my ears. I am sad to say, that even after my shunt, I still have opening pressures in the mid30s. But, It better than it was, 49,
I dont feel ill all the time but it does seem to be getting more freqent.Unfortunatly, the only only way to know for sure is an lp. Do you , or did you have paps? If so, an eye test would confirm if they were back , which would mean high pressure again, and maybe , you could do with out the lp?
I am sorry to hear you are not feeling well again. Cath.
If you have a VP shunt and it is working, then I think the NS can check your pressure with a needle into the reservoir by the valve. I know they have doe this with Caiti. However, when the valve failed, they had to do an LP.
Good luck!
Judie
I called and changed my Neuro Opth appt from August to July 13th and then I did call at lunch time and leave a message for my NS about my dizziness, etc. I did have papilledema (sp) prior to getting my shunt and had two optic nerve decompression surgeries too before the shunt due to lp opening pressure of 38 and a second one of 31...the Optic nerve surgery was a success on my left eye, but not the right eye. So, I had to have the shunt put in about a year ago. I haven't had an LP done since April 2009. I just don't want to go through all the invasive tests if I don't have to.