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...

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greenbayfan1 12/12/2013

Hi everyone -

I'm having some issues with my VP shunt and my NS is having me do a LP tomorrow. I've had 2 of them done previously and with both of them I had to have blood patches done. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to decrease the chance of me getting a spinal headache afterwards? I know I need to drink lots of caffeine and lay flat for 24 hours, right?? It's been awhile since my last LP and I couldn't remember all the details. I'm hoping tomorrow's tests will reveal why part of my shunt isn't draining correctly. Also, apparently, I have very small brain ventricles on the side my VP shunt is located and it should be the opposite. I'm wondering the reason for this..any clue??

Thanks!!

SeaSprite 12/13/2013

You know the drill on LP's. Take the wheelchair out to the car afterwards. For a day lay flat and keep your body quiet. Don't move around. Only get up to go to the bathroom. Before the LP I put a bed tray on my bed with some bottled water, caffeine, snacks, baby wipes, etc. Then it's ready for me when I get home. Less getting up.

I've heard that a good LP without leaks has to do with the needle and the technique. A different radiology practice (or doctor group) next time might make a difference.

Hang in there. I hope this one is blood patch free.

Taleema 12/13/2013

Good luck! Hope it went well today! :)

RN4408 12/13/2013

I was going to chime in though it looks like I missed the window time-wise, hope it went well today!

My NO advises that after the procedure you lay on your back, make a fist, slide it under your back at the puncture site, and lay that way on top of your fist for an hour (obviously you may have to switch hands from time to time). She finds that this extra step of putting extra pressure on the site helps to prevent complications. Just thought I'd share that in case it helps anyone!

deleted_user 12/13/2013

I ALWAYS get a leak. My neuro opthamologist says it's because our pressure is high making it harder for the hole to close. I wish you luck.

greenbayfan1 12/13/2013

Thanks so much for all the replies. I totally appreciate it!

I made it through my LP this morning, which was done at a different hospital this time around. Everyone at the facility were awesome!

Unfortunately, with my VP shunt, my opening pressure was 30!! He drained it down to 7 and I could instantly feel a headache, but that ended once I stayed in recovery flat for an hour. They told me to rest for two days this time around instead of one day and do absolutely nothing. I'm already going stir crazy, but I know it is very crucial so I don't end up with another spinal headache.

Now, I just wait to see what my NS says about my results. I'm so worried about having another shunt surgery.

I will keep you all updated. Thanks again!

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