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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Poor Short Term Memory After Having A Shunt For Hydrocephalus?

My husband has had a shunt for Hydrocephalus since 2009 with no issues. 2 weeks ago he had to have back surgery (disc fusion) and a few days after surgery he started becoming confused. I thought it was from the pain meds so within the week I had him off everything except occasional Tylenol. He is still confused (short term memory stuff) and is pretty lethargic. Is it possible his shunt failed at the same time of surgery and if so would the symptoms come on fast? or did the anesthesia mess up his brain?
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
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Neurologist, Surgical,  's  Response
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Being confused and lethargic are not the common symptoms of hydrocephalus. Still, From the history it is not clear what was the cause of hydrocephalus. Anyway, in front of a previous brain surgery, these are symptoms, which I would ask for a CT scan. In case it results normal I would do some blood test, and ask the anesthesist of the last surgery what substances did he use during surgery, and search for their tracks in the blood.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Wishing your husband good health.
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What Causes Poor Short Term Memory After Having A Shunt For Hydrocephalus?

Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. Being confused and lethargic are not the common symptoms of hydrocephalus. Still, From the history it is not clear what was the cause of hydrocephalus. Anyway, in front of a previous brain surgery, these are symptoms, which I would ask for a CT scan. In case it results normal I would do some blood test, and ask the anesthesist of the last surgery what substances did he use during surgery, and search for their tracks in the blood. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions. Wishing your husband good health.