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...
Hi everyone -
I woke up with cold symptoms this morning with a sore throat, etc. Since I have a shunt, should I ask for antibiotics? Last thing I want is to get my shunt infected :-/
Thanks!
I woke up with cold symptoms this morning with a sore throat, etc. Since I have a shunt, should I ask for antibiotics? Last thing I want is to get my shunt infected :-/
Thanks!
I have had a shunt for two years, both VP and LP, and have not needed antibiotics for an illness unless the illness wouldn't go always without it. I wouldn't be too worried. Keep an eye on your symptoms. Maybe take some DayQuil :) shunts, in my experience don't easily get infected. How long ago did you have your shunt placed?
Mal
Thx for replying :-) I had a shunt revision done about 1.5 months ago. I just wanted to make sure bcuz I've had 3 surgeries with shunts since December, and the last thing I want, is to have complications. :-)
Have a great weekend and thanks again!
I have had an LP shunt before but never took antibiotic unless I had an infection for something else (like an UTI). A cold shouldn't affect your shunt at all. Taking too many antibiotics when you don't need them can actually make you antibiotic resistant making it harder to treat any future infection you might get. Like 1greenmnm said, just watch your symptoms and if you have any concerns, especially if you have a fever, contact your neurosurgeon or go see your primary Dr. right away. Keep us updated! Hope you are feeling better.