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Scoiosis, Hydrocephalus -- and Probably Both

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  • Scoiosis, Hydrocephalus -- and Probably Both

    A long time ago (1959) I was diagnosed with severe idiopathic dorsal scoliosis and underwent (very successfully) the "heavy duty" treatment (body cast and spinal fusion) recommended at the time. But beginning about five years ago, I experienced difficulties descending, rather than climbing stairs, and a less-steady gait, especially when carrying something, The preliminary diagnosis was adult-onset Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) -- what used to be called "water on the brain" -- but the condition did not intensify very much until I took a fall on my basement steps and suffered a blow to the head about four months ago.

    Cases such as mine are often treated by installation of a surgical shut to divert excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), but my neurosurgeon wisely recommended both a lumbar puncture (virtually painless -- a pleasant surprise) and when the usual immediate, but only temporary improvement in symptoms failed to materialize, a 48-hour continuous lumbar drain with the same result. Surgery has therefore been indefinitely postponed, and the current strategy is to investigate the possibility of myelopathy (interference with spinal cord function); if this were to be addressed without improvement in mobility, the option of a second set of lumbar procedures and shunt surgery would remain open.

    So I'd like to know if any fellow scoliotics have encountered this condition, and their experiences -- thanks in advance!
    Last edited by Eddie Sand; 06-09-2019, 10:59 AM.

  • #2
    Don, I know of one member here that had a shunt installed as a teen. This was a long long time ago....She didn't have any problems with it.

    Your scoliosis story is amazing. 60 years of service is a long time.....

    Careful with the falling. There have been reports of falls here, its never a good thing. I had a vertical collapse about a year ago (sleepwalking ?) which really screwed up my ankles, (touch big toe to shin) I was lucky I didn't hit my head. I have since laid down rugs in my bathroom as a protective measure. They cover up the beautiful ceramic tile work I had done.....

    Be sure to let us know if you proceed with the shunt and or any extra scoliosis related work....

    Ed
    49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
    Pre surgery curves T70,L70
    ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
    Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada

    Bending and twisting pics after full fusion
    http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showt...on.&highlight=

    My x-rays
    http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...2&d=1228779214

    http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...3&d=1228779258

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