What Causes Intermittent Headache In A Patient With Hydrocephalus?

Posted on Thu, 19 Nov 2015

Question: I have Hydrocephalus and have been having headaches off and on. I've had them a week then they stop,then they start again a few days later.They are worse in the morning. Sometimes they just stop all of a sudden. Pain meds don't work. Scans always come back normal.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
More information needed. Acetazolamide can be used as treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

I need to ask you for more information about your condition first, in order to have a better understanding of your concerns.

Is the hydrocephalus treated with shunt, or third ventriculostomy?

What is its cause ( obstructive, malabsorption, )?

From how long you have been diagnosed with hydrocephalus?

Gait or urination problems, besides headaches?

Main medical treatment about hydrocephalus includes use of Acetazolamide.

Best way to treat hydrocephalus is to treat and resolve its cause.

Awaiting for more information......

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (47 minutes later)

Shunt obstructive had Meningitis 46 years no gait or urination problems. I have two shunt one fixed pressure one programmable
Had meningitis at 5 months old
Diagnosed at 5 months old

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Shunt malfunction should be evaluated first.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

In this case, shunt malfunction should be evaluated first.

There is need for a shunt control by your Neurosurgeon, and probably MRI of the brain, if shunts are MRI compatible.

If shunt malfunction is excluded, then there is no need to worry about, it could be only common headaches.

Hope this helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj