Question 1

what is a vp shunt?

Accepted Answer

CSF diversion: It is tubing and a one way valve that drains cerebrospinal fluid(csf) made in the brain into the abdominal cavity.

Question 2

is a vp shunt temporary?

Accepted Answer

No: If you require a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, it will not be for a reversible condition except in a few circumstances.
There are times when they can be removed but this is again unusual.

Question 3

is a vp shunt a suctioner?

Accepted Answer

More like a drain: A vp shunt is a controlled way to drain cerebral spinal fluid to decrease intracranial pressure. Vp shunts have valves that can be adjusted to control their rate of flow.

Question 4

does vp shunt cause diareha?

Accepted Answer

No: Can't even conceive of a connection here.

Question 5

my vp shunt is coiled is this bad?

Accepted Answer

: Not necessarily, but contact your neurosurgeon to confirm all is placed properly, and system is appropriately working.

Question 6

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 7

should you be able to feel your vp shunt?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You should be able to feel the catheter and you should be able to feel the valve under the skin.

Question 8

how do you know if your vp shunt falls out?

Accepted Answer

Can't: It will not.  It would require an incision in the head area to remove your shunt.  They cannot fall out.
They must be removed- and you'll want to be asleep when they do it!

Question 9

what are the signs of a vp shunt malfunction?

Accepted Answer

Many: Headaches, dizziness, vertigo, difficulty with balance, blurred vision, difficulty looking up, nausea and other symptoms as well.

Question 10

can you join the air force if you have a vp shunt?

Accepted Answer

I doubt it: I was a US Navy neurosurgeon for almost seven years. I seriously doubt you would be able to join the military with a vp shunt. The presence of a shunt implies an underlying condition, in this case shunt dependent hydrocephalus. If the shunt malfunctioned with you overseas, you might be in a world of hurt. You can probably have a military recruiter check on this for a definitive answer. Good luck.

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Doctor answers about:

Vp shunt

A member asked:

What is a vp shunt?

A member asked:

Is a vp shunt temporary?

A member asked:

Is a vp shunt a suctioner?

A member asked:

Does vp shunt cause diareha?

A member asked:

My vp shunt is coiled is this bad?

A member asked:

How long does a vp shunt last for?

A member asked:

Should you be able to feel your vp shunt?

A member asked:

How do you know if your vp shunt falls out?

A member asked:

What are the signs of a vp shunt malfunction?

A member asked:

Can you join the air force if you have a vp shunt?

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