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Stomach And Neck Pain. Headache. Had Shunt Placed As A Baby. Cause?
hi i have a vp shunt that was placed in me when i was a baby, shortly after birth. i am currently 21 years of age. i have not been seen for my shunt in years, although i have been trying to look up any and all information that i can for my shunt. i have had pains in my stomache and neck where the chord runs. i know that most likely is just the chord rubbing therefore that isn t much of a concern to me, however the pains that i have been getting on the right side of my head is what i do question. its giving me headaches if not a sharp pinching pain. i am curious as to what could be causing this? any and all information would be appreciated, thank you.
Thu, 8 Nov 2012
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
VP shunts can be kept for a long time without any problems.
Your current symptoms may not suggest anything serious.
However, one should watch for two complications in a person on long term shunt:
1. Shunt infection- in this case, there will be fever along with headache.
2. Shunt tube block- this would cause severe headaches and vomiting.
In both the above conditions, the shunt tube needs to be removed.
If in doubt and if symptoms persist, a CT scan of the head would be helpful to look for hydrocephalus.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
Thank you for posting your query.
VP shunts can be kept for a long time without any problems.
Your current symptoms may not suggest anything serious.
However, one should watch for two complications in a person on long term shunt:
1. Shunt infection- in this case, there will be fever along with headache.
2. Shunt tube block- this would cause severe headaches and vomiting.
In both the above conditions, the shunt tube needs to be removed.
If in doubt and if symptoms persist, a CT scan of the head would be helpful to look for hydrocephalus.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
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