Can VP shunt surgery for normal-pressure hydrocephalus affect a person's functionality?

Question

Hi doctor,

My grandfather has got NPH problem and he underwent surgery three times. After the last VP stunt placement surgery he had, he fell on the ground and got blood in his head, and the doctor suggested that he needs surgery to remove the blood. After the surgery doctor told that the CT looks normal, but my grandfather has became very lazy and walking slowly not like how he was after the second VP shunt surgery where he got back to normal quickly and everything was fine. When asked doctor about this he said he will normally be like this hereafter as he is aged. I am worried, because he is not walking and talking properly. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Unfortunately, the CT (computerized tomography) images you have shared (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity) have poor clarity and I insist you share the CT reports if available. The shunt event-free survival is approximately 70 % at 12 months and is nearly half that at ten years postoperatively. VP Shunts (ventriculoperitoneal shunts) may fail due to malfunction or infection. Hence, it should be ensured that the shunt is functioning properly. Symptoms of NPH (normal pressure hydrocephalus) may include progressive mental impairment and dementia, problems with walking, and impaired bladder control. Sometimes, these symptoms may be due to co-existing neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, they should be ruled out. The success of treatment with shunts varies from person to person and unfortunately, marked improvement is noted in only 20 to 25 % of patients following shunt surgery.

I hope this helped. Take care.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I am sorry the images have not gotten uploaded again. and I think it is not the problem with uploading, it is in the images (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity) themselves. There is a rough haze-like disturbance in images and it is not wise to read these images for the sake of treatment. I do not think re-uploading will solve the problem with images. I think you should book an OPD (outpatient department) appointment with a different neurosurgeon to take a second opinion. I hope your problem gets solved and your grandfather gets better.

Take care.