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...
Hello,
The pain from my LP shunt seems to have been getting worse. I just had a visit with my NS and she said its because of how my shunt lays. So we are going to try physical therapy. I had my first visit today and the physical therapist had no idea was IIH was and was not very knowledgeable about shunts. Her plan is to have me strengthen my core, which in theory would take some pressure off my back. Well. we had our first session and my back feels worse. I thought that they would use some heat therapy in addition to some easy stretches. She didn't mention any things to do at home beside the exercises. I feel like she doesn't really understand the problem. Anyone have any experience with this? i don't want to be hurting worse.
Thank you!
Abra
The pain from my LP shunt seems to have been getting worse. I just had a visit with my NS and she said its because of how my shunt lays. So we are going to try physical therapy. I had my first visit today and the physical therapist had no idea was IIH was and was not very knowledgeable about shunts. Her plan is to have me strengthen my core, which in theory would take some pressure off my back. Well. we had our first session and my back feels worse. I thought that they would use some heat therapy in addition to some easy stretches. She didn't mention any things to do at home beside the exercises. I feel like she doesn't really understand the problem. Anyone have any experience with this? i don't want to be hurting worse.
Thank you!
Abra
My first LP shunt pain caused sciatica and I had to have a steroid injection which actually solved the issue.
Did your NS at least take X-rays to see where the shunt is laying that is causing you pain?
I also had severe off and on pain on my left flank after my second LP shunt (different NS) and after a lot of research I found an online support group from London and people said there that Dr's told them to put heat on the area. I did that everytime I had that LP shunt pain and it would take it away.
I don't really see how PT can help an internal shunt situation that is causing you pain (I was an Occupational Therapist for 17 years who worked closely with PT's), but if I were you I would ask to see a different PT who was familiar with shunts (thought LP shunts are more rare but maybe there is a PT there who has dealt with VP shunt tubing).
Good luck!