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Missy55 Asked June 2010

Has anyone had a shunt put in for the diagnosis of Normal Pressure hydrocephalus and dementia? If so did it help?

EXPERT Carol Bradley Bursack, CDSGF Jun 2010
My dad had a shunt put in - and the result was dementia. However - and this is important - he had a lot of scar tissue from an early head injury. A shunt operation is considered safe and is often very effective. Sometimes there is little choice. Dad was one of those "poor outcomes" that break hearts. But my story is a common result of the surgery. Make sure the surgeon has done many of these and ask about all possible complications. Very likely, it will be fine. Ask about the anesthetic, too. It's possible it was the anesthetic that pushed Dad over the edge. This is, unfortunately, not uncommon with the elderly.

Best wishes during this hard time,
Carol

moonjac Jun 2010
My mother in law also had this test done in hopes of good results. It was not. We all wish it had never been done. The theory is good but dementia affects everyone differently. Relieving the pressure doesn't seem to work long-term. Do you really want to put your loved one through tis?

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