Hi!
My husbands neurologist thinks he has NPH based on a CT scan. The doc wants him to have a cisterogram (injection of radioactive isotopes to determine how much spinal fluid is in the brain) confirm the diagnosis. He has been to the hospital twice for the test.... the first time they wouldn't do it because his blood thinner was too high.... the second time they couldn't get the needle through because of arthritis in his spinal column. (He's 79 years old.) His doc is insisting he have this test done. The last attempt, the radiologists tried about 10 different times to get the needles inserted and none of them would go thru the arthritis (Stenosis). He now wants him to go to a different place to have the test. We are getting ready to move to our new house.... I have 2 questions....
Is the cisternogram absolutely necessary to confirm diagnosis?
If he has to have the shunt put into his brain, how long is the recovery period where patients are not suppose to bend or lift???? I'm afraid he'll violate any restrictions.... Can anyone let me know?????