cyst/craniotomy/brainshunt

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Hello all and Hello Holly,
Yes you can have a VP Shunt placement, if you continue to have some symptoms Ex: Intracranial Pressure from Hydrocephalus (Accumulation of CSF)
My brother just underwent a craniotomy for extraction of a colloid cyst of the third ventricle on Dec 11, 2007 after experiencing 1 week of Hydrocephalus. After a few days, while in ICU, he improved but he began to experience Hydrocephalus symptoms again and a Permanent VP shunt was placed. Some noticable improvement was made, however after another few days, slight Intracranial Pressure was noted and they placed a temporary drain (Venticulostomy). After a few days he improved, the drain was removed and after 18 days in ICU, he was transferred to the regular floor. He is improving day to day. He's forgetful and everyday we go over a lot of different things with him. It's a challenge. He loves music and we sing a lot. Hopefully in the next few days he will be transferred to rehabilitation to obtain Physical Therapy as well as other therapies. I would like to know if your memory comes back fully or is it still a struggle? Can you return back to your normal life and work and drive? Very concerned sister.

Good luck To All!!

Hi Kooky,
I wanted to respond to you (Holly, I hope you don't mind me jumping into your thread). I had a colloid cyst removed in Nov 2000. I had severe hydro which caused me to have temporary loss of sight in my left eye. I had a crainiotomy and the cyst was removed completely. I had to have speech and occupational therapy afterwards for quite some time, (1 month in patient, 9 months out patient) but I am doing very well now.

My memory was almost nonexistant at first. My therapists at the rehab hospital devised different plans and techniques to help me with my memory retraining. They had me use what they called a "Memory Book". It was a simple spiral notebook I carried every where. My therapists had me write down information, then asked me to review it to help with memory skills.

Me being the rebellious one I am, at first thought I could work around this. I learned very quickly, I needed to follow the rules they were putting into place. Each therapist asked religiously if I had my memory book.

I eventually moved to a pocket calendar, and a wall calendar to remember dates.

Memory does improve. It can take awhile. Consistant notetaking helps immensly, as does consistant brain stimulation. (Reading, writing, music, art, puzzles, etc.)Please tell him to keep a positive attitude, and try to laugh at mistakes. It gets better as the brain heals, and new pathways are developed.

Best wishes to your brother, and you. Please let us know how he is doing, Dodi