Arachnoid cyst/shunt

[JazzyBazzy79]

Evening all,

Does anyone have any experience of arachnoid cysts and subsequent fitting of a brain shunt? I was hoping to gather some of your experiences of living with a brain shunt following complications from an arachnoid cyst, and in particular how your child adapted to life with one. Any input would be very welcome/helpful.

Much appreciated

Bump

My best friend’s son had one when he was 16. It was terrifying at the time, as nobody knew about the cyst until it was a medical emergency - causing uncontrollable seizures, etc… He’s now 25, a gym anmd cycling enthusiast and studying medicine. I hope that helps.

Thanks very much for replying ! That's really positive to hear that he's really active despite the shunt! Do you know whether he had any operations prior to the shunt? Thanks again :)

I don’t think so…. his biggest worry was being allergic to peanuts. That’s still a thing, but his cyst is not. He has a scan every 5 years or so and everything’s still all good.

That's great to hear. Thanks!

My 4 year old hasnt had a cyst but he has had a brain shunt fitted since he was 6 weeks old due to hydrocephalus. 4 revisions in first 6 months but all good since

Thanks for your reply. Glad to hear since the revisions all has been well. What do do the revisions entail please - were they shunt replacements or adjustments if you don't mind me asking.

His first shunt was found to be infected pretty much immediately so it was removed 24 hrs agter placing it, he then had a temporary external one until infection cleared. Then a second one was put in. It was overdraining and caused one side of his head to sink down. So 4 months after it was put in they operated to change the valve for a different type.

Thanks so much for replying and I'm sorry for the belated thanks!