I'm starting this thread hoping for anyone with programmable shunt success stories. Has anyone seen actual success with programmable shunts?

More specifically, any success with the Medtronics Strata?


Back story:
I've had non-programmable shunts since I was 2 for congenital hydrocephalus, thats about 30 years now... All of my shunts have been medium pressure non-programmable. My first lasted for 17 years, and then I'd had one about every three years since. I'm over-draining now, not seriously but my ventricle is definitely small, and my NS wants to go with a Strata. But so far all of the posts I can find have nothing but problems with the programmable. Is there any actual good news with programmable?

Or for those with programmable, would you recommend them or should i just stick with my tried and true version?

Side note: I think I actually caused this problem. I was dieting pretty heavily for about 6 months and let myself get dehydrated repeatedly. I believe the repeated dehydration caused a decrease in CSF production and probably brought on my current symptoms. Bad me, but I don't think I can blame the shunt.

Hey SliceT! I too have spent all of my 36 yrs with fixed, med pressure valves, one lasted 13 years, the other 23 years. However, during my revision two weeks ago, I was changed to a Medtronic Strata. So far, so good. I had an issue yesterday and into last night of dizziness and a feeling of pressure in my head, anytime I stood up. It seems ok today though. I am hoping this can be remedied with a minor adjustment but, I too am curious as to whether I will have the same success with this programmable as I did with the old fixed pressure valves. I will say, with all my luck with the old valves, I am kinda excited by now having one that can have minor adjustments done, as opposed to full blown revisions. With all this, I am unable to answer any of your questions, looks like we'll both be learning about these new contraptions!

I have a Medtronics Strata that was placed last June. I am 51 years old and was diagnosed with hydro last year. I had a few problems at first with my shunt until they got everything set. Since then I have only had to have one other adjustment because I had to have a MRI. (this drastically changes the settings)
I am very happy with my results... thankful for my shunt and the ability to lift my feet again!!
I would do it a million times over! (not literally but you know what i mean)


I know I am late on this post... but better late than never!

Hi Slicetech!
I am only 5weeks post op with programmable VP shunt for IIH/PTC. one week after surgery I had nasty bad headache and my neurosurgeon said sounded like ER visit to make sure functioning and setting of 1.5 was ok for me. Shunt worked fine so they adjusted it down to 1.0 and I have been fantastically fine!! Two weeks ago they lowered my Diamox by 1/3rd the dose and I still feel good.

My NS said they really donor like to make adjustments too often but to come in within 24 hrs of an MRI to reset it.

This is my first experience with a shunt and so far I am pain free (from the massive IIH pain that is) and have regained some vision (not yet peripheral), and no longer need my special amber contact lenses for light sensitivity. I also am no longer incontinent!! Which after a yr and half of needing protection (at age 45!) I am most thrilled with. The confusion and balance is slowly getting better as is my word choice and pronunciation. I've been told it may be wrong dx with IIH and may be NPH but I fit the age/gender profile better of the first.

I wonder what you decided and how you are. I'd be interested to hear.
Lisa