Brain Operation

[msemma]

My best friend has been taken to hospital, after several months of bad headaches, vomiting and neckaches. After various other symptoms appeared and misdiagnoses it has now been established that she has a build-up of spinal fluid around the brain due to a blockage somewhere in the drainage system, and the hospital plan to operate to relieve the pressure. Has anyone heard of this kind of thing before? Has anyone had it? Do you know what we should expect? Are any complications associated with this kind of operation? Will she need a general or local anaesthetic? How long will it take to recover?

[campbellking]

Sounds like she is about to have a 'shunt' put in. People can live fairly normal lives with these, just need to be careful of the occasional risk of blockage, but hospital will tell you about the warning signs of this. Can't tell you much more, as this procedure isn't performed at our hospital.

[noxlumos]

I had TB meningitis and had a shunt fitted and I'm fine, nothing to worry about although it's a serious proceedure but easy to say after the event:)

[Bowieblue]

My 19 year old daughter had similar symptoms. After a lumber puncture (which is a bit uncomfortable but not painful) and draining some of the fluid her headaches have gone completely, vision back to normal and no sickness. Just wondered if you had been offered this treatment before being offered the operation.

[msemma]

It turns out that she actually does have a brain tumour (most likely benign) despite being told otherwise by two "specialists". It is being removed straight away.

[noxlumos]

God that's dreadful. I hope the operation and afterwards goes well for her.