Its the tube that's causing thie pain i had the same thing so i got va shunt put in. I'm having the same problems your having with my balance i sometimes walk like I'm drunk, ear noises, mood swings I'm just sick of it all. all i can say is don't give up keep on the neurosureon until u get help don't take no for answer. until something is done. last time i went in i strated crying I'm in so much pain i can't take it anymore. stay strong you made it this far don't give up. I go back in on fri the gabapetin is not helping i just hope something is done but I'm sure that won't happen.