This seems like the place to discuss this, as it seems there are a lot of people who know more than I do on the subject.

I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus when I was a year old and have had a shunt since then. I am now 30 and one of the most important things in my life is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission wrestling. I've been doing it for roughly 5 years. I'm wondering if there is anyone else doing this? I don't know much about hydrocephalus or my shunt for that matter, just that it is there. I've had it replaced a couple of times. My last revision was in '03 to replace a faulty tube. I know that what I do is very risky given my condition, but it's a part of my life. I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks that seem to come on when I am unable to train. I guess a question I would ask is; is there anything I can do to protect myself from damaging my shunt? Not kidding, should I wear a helmet? I simply can not fathom a life without BJJ, but I know that one wrong move could put me in the hospital. I know that I'm not really asking a pointed question, just looking for a dialogue. Like I said, I really don't know anything about what I have, only that I need to protect my head...

XSideTop,

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Here are a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Check into the following forum for some assistance:

hydrocephalus:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum14.html

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene