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Is back pain a symptom of shunt malfunction?

SteveM1970SteveM1970 Member Posts: 2
edited September 2014 in Disabled people
Hi, I had a VP shunt fitted as a baby and this was revised a few times, most recentlt when I was 15, when one of the main symptoms (as I recall) was low back pain. I am now 41 (same shunt for 26 years!) and have a similar back pain.

I am not usually troubled by back pain - especially one as persistent as this (had it a few days). I don't have any other symptoms (maybe a little nauseous from tiem to time recently, come to think of it) but asm wondering whether to get it checked out or not.

Any advice from those with similar experiences would be much appreciated.
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Replies

  • Katherine HaywardKatherine Hayward Member Posts: 74
    edited June 2014
    Hi Steve, Saw your post and thought I´d reply.
    I have tetraparesis CP, hydrocephalus with a VP shunt and am partially sighted and a wheelchair user.
    In my case, my problems with shunts all ocurred from birth up to the age of 11, am now 29.
    My troubles with shunts were down to symptoms of vomiting and severe headaches, and I had my shunt changed 4 times due to malfunctions and dislocations, Haven´t had too many problems since I was 11, although do suffer on hot or humid days with headaches, but I tend to drink lots of water and not do too much and take ibuprofen if needed.
    I suffer from backpain but not due to my shunt but my CP. I suggest you get it checked out though as it´s not a listed symptom of shunt malfunction as I know. Do you have any other disabilities? I suffered from visual disturbances too in the past which is sometimes another symptom, but in my case was down to overtiredness due to muscular effort. Also, you nay want to get in rouch with your local ASBAH to see what they advise.
    Katherine
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  • SteveM1970SteveM1970 Member Posts: 2
    Hi Katherine. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. The backache has lessened. No sight distortion but I have had that in the past too. I do not have any other disabilities - I posted here because there was some talk of hydrocephalus and the ASBAH site does not appear to have a forum. So, therefore, thanks once again for getting back to me. I shall continue to monitor my symptoms.
    Steve
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