My father had shunt surgery last Wednesday for hydrosephlus. He is still in the hospital and not himself. He is having difficulty just dialing the phone and remembering family members. He is scheduled to go to a rehab. center for some OT and PT. He is definitley worse now then when he went in for the surgery. Is this normal? Could this be a stroke or the brain just getting used to the new hardware?

Our family (son, daugher-in-law and grandkids) went to see him today. He only remembered my wife's name without assistance. I asked the Dr. before the surgery what are the side-effects and/or complications and he said none.

Thanks.

I am 58 years old and had my first surgery for Hydro over four years age, had my shunt placed three years ago. I had bad dementia for quite awhile. I has gotten much better but the fluid buildup caused severe brain damage.

It can get better, mine has, but it takes patience and a lot of effort. Try diet, exercise, meditation and anything else that works the brain as well as the body. Above all else do not let him sit around feeling sorry for himself.

some medications also cause dementia-like symptoms.

If you post your Dad's meds, I'll evaluate them for you.

Also some elderly react to trauma and surgery with a sudden low thyroid function. This may mimic dementia as well. Having this tested, and fixing it may improve cognition.

I would demand a B12 level done, and it should be 400 or above ...low B12 also mimics dementia.