Quote:
Originally Posted by XLK4558
I had a brain shunt installed in 1977 when I was 15. I had a motorcycle accident that resulted in hydrocephalus. I have not experienced any problems, but I am worried that something may happen due to the age of the shunt. Has anyone had a shunt for such a long period of time without suffering any problems? Has anyone experienced problems with an aged shunt after such a long period of time? My doctor told me that it may become brittle at some point. Has anyone ever had one get brittle? After how long? Was the shunt replaced? Any information regarding aging and operation of the shunt would be appreciated.
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I have had a VP shunt for 16 years and never had a revision. I still get the occasional headache and just take over-the-counter no-name tylenol. My main problem is seizures, but they are relatively mild and are managable. I am going for a new CT scan soon to see how the shunt is functioning, but all in all I'm getting used to the minor inconveniences. It's certainly a lot easier living with a shunt than it was living without one.