NPH Normal Pressure Hydrosephlus
 

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. :confused: 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?????

Welcome!! My husband had his VP shunt put in and was unable to do any heavy lifting for about 2 months. I don't know why they are putting your husband thru that unless they suspect a leak, my husband was diagnosed with just a CT of the brain and shunt inserted that week. I wish you and your husband all the luck with his hydro and the move!!

I just had my first cisternogram this past Monday 12/9 and afterwards had a very sore back but no major complications. They took photos for 24 hours and told me they found "no abnormal findings of normal pressure hydrocephalus." Later I asked what that meant and if I needed further testing and they all told me that the test is not always definitive nor could provide all the answers I was needing. Such as if the csf fluid was different from the left or right side, or if my pressure was normal or abnormal.

I am much younger than your husband and my spine didn't have any major curve or arthritis so it may vary from person to person.