Shunts?

[lmurray69]

does everyone get a shunt put in .? if so where is it put.?how long is it there? I may not have spelled it right..it is to drain flood off the brain..or what.

[tony]

Sorry didnt mean to panic you
Shunts are only put in where (and when)  required
usually where a 3-4-5 cm AN is causing a problem (eg Hydro)
Smaller than this - only 1% of the time are there problems
Think of it as a temporary drain - I still have one
amazingly only I can see it - strangers cant spot it
Basically I posted the earlier text - because the subject is complex
and not easily accessable to the layman
Rest assured
Tony

[krbonner]

My understanding is shunts are only used to control problems with pressure build-up when the fluid around the brain can't rebalance itself or when there's a problematic CSF leak.  Generally, that only happens for the larger ANs (though there are, of course, exceptions).  I believe the vast majority of AN patients have no need for a shunt.  I certainly didn't.

Katie

[Patti]

I wasn't doing well after my surgery so three days later they put a temporary shunt in and removed part of my cerebellum to allow room for the brainswelling.  Anyone else have this done?  Patti

[lmurray69]

 I thank you for replying everyone.I know that some times we read things on this sight, but I didnt mean to alarm anyone and sorry if i did..Just read it under things that could happen...

[msuscottie]

Not everyone gets a shunt, but I did get one after some severe post-op brain swelling. I think the main purpose of a shunt is to relieve pressure from brain swelling.

[reg]

i have a shunt in now i was also told i had brain swelling and had to have my cerebullum cut to relieve pressure i thought i was the only one who experienced this its good (unfortunately) to know someone who knows what iam talking about. question do you have severe balance issues? will whats cut ever grow back? does rest of cerebullum compesate for lost? reg

[Crazycat]

My tumor was so big it caused massive fluid build-up that compounded already compromised balance problems—hydrocephalus. I had to have a shunt installed one month before the tumor resection. The shunt is still there and will remain the rest of my life.

But no, most people with Acoustic Neuroma do not have to deal with a shunt.

Paul

[Jim Scott]

My neurosurgeon told me that when he 'opened up' my skull, the CSF, apparently under much pressure, literally 'gushed out'.  However, I never required a shunt and did not experience any post-op CSF leaks. 

I think we have to keep in mind that, for better or worse, one AN patient's experience is not necessarily the 'norm' for every other AN patient.

Jim

[Crazycat]

I forgot to mention that my shunt is in there for the rest of my life, even though I don't need it anymore. I think that as a rule shunts are left in the body because taking them out is too invasive and too much of a risk, especially when they involve the brain.

I have a cousin that had one installed as an infant with hydrocephalus. It's still there. She's a perfectly healthy and normal adult today in her forties.