I was dx. with papiledema feb.2012. Since then I have had two spinal taps to relieve presure. The opening presure was 22 with the first spinal tap and 27.5 with second spinal tap. What do these numbers mean? And know they are talking about a shunt in the lower back or in head. I have a lot of medical issue that are life changing I need some answers and some human contact that understands even if it is thru chat

Those numbers mean, that the pressure of your CSF(Cerebro-Spinal Fluid) is increasing, and that you will most likely need to be shunted.

My Yahoo IM: car05161967

You may contact me there, if you would like to chat about this.

Hey(:

I'm. 16 been dealing with hydrocephalus since 10 and have had 7 spinal taps over the span of these years. I have hydrocephalus because of a disease called pseudotumor cerebri.

The guy above me explained a little about what the fluid is CSF is Cerebral Spinal Fluid it gives nutrients to the brain, when your brain doesn't absorb it(which happens with those of us with HydroC) your brain swells andya.. the higher the pressure the more the swelling... normal is 20 so the fact that your opening pressure is 22 shows that there not that above average. Mine at its worse was 58+ which was when they are now forcing me to get a shunt to stop further brain damage then I have already gotten.

Hope this helps(:Feel free to message me if needed or reply here.

hi rosestar, I too was diag. w/papiledema over 3 yrs ago and was shunted within a few weeks(vp). It took me a long time to get used to it but am OK. my NS never even considered spinal tap. i always have headaches, abdom pains, blurred vis, which sucks b/c I never had any pains or symptoms b4 the shunt. But i guess i needed it. but living normal life with no restrictions, good luck