I was dx with middle age onset moderate to severe hydrocephalus in 2002 was hospitalized for almost a year for MRSA, then a subdural hematoma, and crainiotomy. I have had 7 shunt surgeries since (the last in 2006) after which I had grand-mal seizures and was also placed on steriods for a short time. I lost 80 lbs between 2006 and 2008 and I ran the American River 50 mile endurance run at age 50 in April of this year. I currently am running 9-15 miles per day and have been off meds since mid 2007. My weight is now stable but I sometimes have irritation at the peritoneal insertion site. My problem is that I have developed nausea that has become chronic. It starts as soon as I wake up in the morning and is there throughout the day. Running does not seem to affect it. The nausea comes suddenly and in waves. I have an appt. with my neurosurgeon later this week. I have a friend who is a Neuropsychologist and she stated that CSF is foreign to the peritoneum and that if I am draining well this could be the cause. She recommended cannabis. I tried it and it takes away the nausea almost immediately and for about 4-6 hours duration. Does anyone else use cannabis for nausea or are there better alternatives? Magnru

yeah, im 19 had a shunt until i was 8, that malfunctioned and they gave me a thirdvantriculostamy (not sure how to spell it). but i dont have so much of nausea just a lack of appetite unless i smoke cannabis. its been this way as long as i can remember, i started smoking cannabis when i was 14 and it hasnt been a problem since.

Thanks for the response. I was hoping someone else was using pot for hydo-nausea and that I wasn't all alone.
I am against ever having a Third Ventriculostomy even though my Neurosurgeon suggested it. It involves too much risk for my liking. If I have a shunt failure I'll just have it replaced. Wikepedia states that Hydro. is one of about 30 major causes of nausea. I live in California where Medical Marijuana is legal so I have to search for a Physician who will prescribe it for me so I don't have to obtain it illegally otherwise it is a misdemeanor fine. I have looked at some alternatives but they are in pill form and take too long to work. I wish you well and hope that you can work. My frontal lobe damage is severe enough that I don't think I will be working anytime soon. magnru

i had the third ventriculstomy done 2 months ago. I personally think its worth the risks. I had 3 shunt revisions done in the course of a month and, the doctor presented me the offer and I figured why not. If the surgery doesnt work I just get another shunt.

I have had hydrocephalus since age 10. I have had 5 operations at ages 10,11,15,16 and 18. At the age of 18 I started experimenting with marijuana and found that this is a cure for me. I am 36 and have not had an operation since. I have never quit because there is no more pain. I really don't get headaches either. If you are desperate for a cure than look no further. Any medical marijuana doctor will not turn you away for this illness. I have recieved 6 medical marijuana evaluations from 3 differnt doctors and had no problem. Infact they didn't even need any paperwork because the proof is in my head and neck. So if you live in a state that approves medical marijuana then go get a doctors reccommenation. Then you can go to dispensaries and be pain free like me.

I have had Hydrocephalus since I was born and am now in my 20s

Not to deviate from the subject of this post, but I'm a avid concert goer and musician and have always wondered if smoking cannabis at a concert would harm my brain anymore than it would another one of my friends being that I have a shunt. I know that medical cannabis is much safer than anything "off the street" so to speak but then again......

What are all of your thoughts on this matter? Thanks.

It may interest you to know that The United States Government, as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services, was granted a U.S. Patent (#6630507) on October 7, 2003 on any and all uses and applications of: Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants.
I tried to post the link to the site, but the system won't let me. Please google that patent number to see it for yourself.

Yes, it's illegal to use as a schedule one drug, but they've patented the genetics! As a 49 yr old woman with hyrdrocephalus, I'm far from a 20 yr old looking to get stoned. But, like many, over years of legally prescribed pharmaceuticals I have no appetite, chronic nausea, chronic apnea, chronic insomnia, chonic pain. I was so doped up I fell down all the time & was getting fatter & fatter, about to have to go to a nursing home!! When they switched my meds or I had to go to the hospital I'd have to go through withdrawal again! It's nuts!!

Now I stay all natural & I hurt less, sleep more, & when I don't have safe access to any, I don't go through withdrawal. It sucks to have to sit still & pray, meditate... but it beats the heck out of withdrawal! It kills me to think of the young adults who are not being told about the SAFER ALTERNATIVE, CANNABIS!! If I can help anyone with info, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Peace!

I am a choosy concert goer. Most of the groups I have seen, date from the 1960's to the 1980's. I detest grunge, hip-hop, and rap. I confine myself to Christian Contemporary, Christian Hard Rock, Christian Heavy Metal, Classic Rock, and Country.

As for using cannabis, that is pathetic. Trying to find a medical excuse to get stoned is nuts!!! Now it is Pot, what next heroin or cocaine!!!!