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What Causes Soreness And Swelling Between Shoulder And Neck While Having A VP Shunt?
Question: I have a VP shunt which hasn't been bothering me in the few years since my last revision. Today, however, the area between (parallel to) my ear and my shoulder, in the back of the neck, is very sore and is swelling. No redness, no fever. It's the exact track my shunt tube takes, the muscle it has been on/over/whatever, that is swollen and sore. Is it possible that I simply moved the wrong way and, after having been in the same spot for so many years, the tube shifted and is causing this pain/swelling without anything needing to be done? It feels much like it did when I first had it placed. The line feels (through the skin) intact and I have no obvious signs of infection. If I ask my doctor, for liability reasons they ALWAYS make me get scans and I want to reduce the amount of scans I subject my body to. Do I need attention now? Can I wait & see?
Brief Answer:
Wait for a few days.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your symptoms. There is no need to worry.
Two major complications of shunt tubes are infection and blockage. Your symptoms do not suggest either of them.
Regarding displacement of shunt tube, it usually does not happen in the neck or surrounding areas.
As of now, you can take analgesics for their anti-inflammatory properties, such as diclofenac or ibuprofen tablets. If you get better in a few days, there is no need to worry.
On the other hand, if you develop fever, headache and vomiting, you should consult your doctor earlier.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Wait for a few days.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your symptoms. There is no need to worry.
Two major complications of shunt tubes are infection and blockage. Your symptoms do not suggest either of them.
Regarding displacement of shunt tube, it usually does not happen in the neck or surrounding areas.
As of now, you can take analgesics for their anti-inflammatory properties, such as diclofenac or ibuprofen tablets. If you get better in a few days, there is no need to worry.
On the other hand, if you develop fever, headache and vomiting, you should consult your doctor earlier.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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