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Question: October, 2002, I had a VP shunt put in my brain for pseudotumor cerebri - after undergoing optic nerve fenestration on both eyes. The past few days, my shunt site has felt real tender to the point I can't sleep on that side of my head. I am having real sharp pains in my abdomen that come and go. It almost feels like the tubing is poking me in different areas causing sharp pains. Is this possible? I was diagnosed with irritable bowel in the past and wondered if this shunt could aggravate that condition, too. Seems I've had a lot more flare ups of IBS since the shunt was placed. I'm just wondering if this shunt could be causing these problems??? Answer: In response to the patient with the VP Shunt: The shunt tubing does not usually cause any reactions. The increased tenderness would raise the question of possible infection which would be the most serious problem. In regards to the IBS it is conceivable that the shunt could cause an increase in symptoms but most of the times the shunt does not cause any problems to the intestinal tract. The patient should follow-up with the Neurosurgeon that placed the shunt as soon as possible. |
