1. < Brain & Nervous System

Is a VP Shunt needed for CSF leak?

Posted by leaky @leaky, Aug 20, 2022

I had a CSF leak repaired after CSF was detected running out of my right ear. Recently CSF was detected in my left ear and that will be repaired as well soon. My neurosurgeon wants to put in a VP shunt whilst doing this second repair.

As I have never had any of the usual symptoms of high intracranial pressure, I wonder if the installation of a shunt is normal procedure when repairing leaks.

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Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Aug 20, 2022

Hello @leaky and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You may have noticed that I have slightly updated your post title to help bring in others to this discussion.

I found some information that may be helpful to you as you seek to learn if a VP shunt is right for you.

- CSF Leak: Diagnosis and Treatment: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/csf-leak/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20522247

I would also like to bring in members @soccermom999 and @cynaburst to see if they can shed some light on their experience.

Did you happen to bring up this question of necessity with your doctor? Do you feel confident or are you thinking of getting a second opinion?

REPLY
1 reply
leaky | @leaky | Aug 21, 2022
In reply to @amandajro "Hello @leaky and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You may have noticed that I have slightly..." + (show)
@amandajro

Hello @leaky and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You may have noticed that I have slightly updated your post title to help bring in others to this discussion.

I found some information that may be helpful to you as you seek to learn if a VP shunt is right for you.

- CSF Leak: Diagnosis and Treatment: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/csf-leak/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20522247

I would also like to bring in members @soccermom999 and @cynaburst to see if they can shed some light on their experience.

Did you happen to bring up this question of necessity with your doctor? Do you feel confident or are you thinking of getting a second opinion?

Jump to this post

Thanks for your response. The conversation with my doctors (neurotologist and neurosurgeon) concentrated on the current leak and the shunt was mentioned only in passing. I was remiss in not catching the shunt reference (my wife actually pointed it out later) and following up.

Apparently the logic is that something must be causing the leaks and high intracranial pressure is the most logical cause. A lumbar puncture did not indicate high pressure, but the leak is probably keeping the pressure down, Prior to the first leak I did not have the common symptoms, which makes me wonder.

After some on-line research I talked with a family friend who is in the medical profession and she suggested that I might consider a second opinion. This conversation is part of the process of determining whether or not the second opinion is needed.

REPLY
1 reply
Theodore Anspach | @tjaapa | Aug 21, 2022

I have been trying to get to the Mayo Clinic for 11 years for a needle stick treatment. I will be going to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for testing and hopefully repair’s next Friday. Thank you GOD FOR YOUR HELP.
TED ANSPACH

REPLY
stevegrinstead | @stevegrinstead | Aug 22, 2022
In reply to @leaky "Thanks for your response. The conversation with my doctors (neurotologist and neurosurgeon) concentrated on the current..." + (show)
@leaky

Thanks for your response. The conversation with my doctors (neurotologist and neurosurgeon) concentrated on the current leak and the shunt was mentioned only in passing. I was remiss in not catching the shunt reference (my wife actually pointed it out later) and following up.

Apparently the logic is that something must be causing the leaks and high intracranial pressure is the most logical cause. A lumbar puncture did not indicate high pressure, but the leak is probably keeping the pressure down, Prior to the first leak I did not have the common symptoms, which makes me wonder.

After some on-line research I talked with a family friend who is in the medical profession and she suggested that I might consider a second opinion. This conversation is part of the process of determining whether or not the second opinion is needed.

Jump to this post

Please check for SS

REPLY
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