Question 1

how long does a vp shunt last for?

Accepted Answer

Varies: I have patients who have had their shunt for 20 years which still works.  I have others whose shunt fails in just a few years.  Newer technology is helping shunts last longer.

Question 2

how long does a vp shunt last before you have to get a new one?

Accepted Answer

Years: Shunts used to fail on a regular basis- but today's shunts are more complex and sophisticated.  They can work for multiple years without fail.

Question 3

how long do follow ups for hydro+vp shunt usually last until? would a person always need check ups or would they only need one if there's any problem?

Accepted Answer

Hydrocephalus shunts: Follow ups varied from doctor to doctor but a standard routine is a yearly visit for checkup under age 18. Over 18, if the patient has been stable then the follow up is as necessary meaning if issues develop that might suggest a shunt malfunction then you would see your physician or er if felt to be an urgent problem.

Question 4

i m 20yr old and i had a vp shunt surgery last year. how will this affect me in the future?

Accepted Answer

Depends on cause: The shunt itself should have little effect on you.Certainly, you will need to be cautious and avoid head injuries.You will also need to watch for signs of shunt infection/malfunction (headache, nausea/vomiting, lethargy).The reason for the shunt surgery is the more likely concern for the future. If there was a head injury or brain tumor as the cause of the surgery-that is more likely to affect you.

Question 5

ice pick headaches left side on vp shunt valve last 5 days w/ left groin pain where nodes are, no big nodes. some pressure behind left eye, thoughts?

Accepted Answer

Need Examination: Anybody with new onset headaches in the setting of having a VP shunt needs to immediately ask to see their doctor for a shunt check. If it's possible to get in to see either your neurologist or neurosurgeon, so much the better. If the shunt's cleared then, the headaches can be addressed knowing they're not due to shunt problems. I'd be happy to answer more questions @: www.healthtap.com/drsaghafi

Question 6

how long do vp shunts usually last?

Accepted Answer

Observation: Shunts usually need to be replaced every two years in children. In adults shunts are replaced typically every 8 to 10 years.

Question 7

having pain around vp shunt locale with neausea 29 years old last thing done to the shunt was it was replaced in 1995

Accepted Answer

Common: Many patients report tenderness around shunt tubing due to the calcifications and scarring that develop around old shunts.  Infection can also be a cause but this is far less common in shunts that are several years old.  That said, its worth having your neurosurgeon check it out.

Question 8

how long do follow ups 4 hydro+vp shunt due 2 tumor removal usually last until? will they always need scans periodically or just for the 1st few yrs?

Accepted Answer

Follow-ups: After tumor removal there  is need for follow up visits to follow any progression or recurrence of the tumor.  If the shunt is functioning and the incisions healed without sign of infection, then you should be followed for the tumor.  Was the tumor benign or malignant?  Does the tumor encroach on the shunt.  You should see your surgeon to get the answers that you need.  Write them down before.

Question 9

had a headache bad the last few days dont know if it is my vp shunt when im sitting up it hurts bad but laying down it feel better what is wrong?

Accepted Answer

See a provider: Although many causes of headaches are benign - I don't think anyone will fault you for seeing your doctor. (Especially since you have a VP shunt).

So please go and see a doctor - rather than seeking an online opinion.

Question 10

have a bad headache since last night have a vp shunt worried something might be wrong i told my dad he won't get me checked what am i suppose to do?

Accepted Answer

Needs Evaluation: A bad headache in someone with a vp shunt needs to be evaluated to make sure the shunt is working properly.  It may require both physical examination including looking at the back of your eyes and possibly a ct scan or shunt series(x-rays) to make sure the shunt is intact. Don't ignore it.

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Doctor answers about:

VP shunt last

A member asked:

How long does a vp shunt last for?

A member asked:

How long does a vp shunt last before you have to get a new one?

A member asked:

How long do follow ups for hydro+vp shunt usually last until? would a person always need check ups or would they only need one if there's any problem?

A member asked:

I m 20yr old and i had a vp shunt surgery last year. how will this affect me in the future?

A member asked:

Ice pick headaches left side on vp shunt valve last 5 days w/ left groin pain where nodes are, no big nodes. some pressure behind left eye, thoughts?

A member asked:

How long do vp shunts usually last?

A member asked:

Having pain around vp shunt locale with neausea 29 years old last thing done to the shunt was it was replaced in 1995

A member asked:

How long do follow ups 4 hydro+vp shunt due 2 tumor removal usually last until? will they always need scans periodically or just for the 1st few yrs?

A member asked:

Had a headache bad the last few days dont know if it is my vp shunt when im sitting up it hurts bad but laying down it feel better what is wrong?

A member asked:

Have a bad headache since last night have a vp shunt worried something might be wrong i told my dad he won't get me checked what am i suppose to do?

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