Related Experiment Videos
[Reflex sympathetic dystrophy induced by shunt malfunction: a case report]
Shinichi Suzuki1, Hiroshi Kanno, Gakuji Gondou
1Department of Neurosurgery, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Japan.
No to Shinkei = Brain and Nerve
|October 3, 2002
Summary
A patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus experienced shunt complications, including reflex sympathetic dystrophy. A siphon control system effectively managed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, preventing malfunction and treating pain.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Medical Complications
Background:
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition often treated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage can lead to NPH, necessitating surgical intervention.
- Shunt systems aim to regulate CSF pressure but can have narrow effective ranges.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old male with NPH post-subarachnoid hemorrhage developed shunt malfunction with both overdrainage and underdrainage symptoms.
- Overdrainage of CSF led to the complication of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD).
- The patient experienced significant pain associated with RSD.
Findings:
- Utilizing a siphon control system, rather than an antisiphon device (ASD), allowed for precise adjustment of the shunt flow rate.
- This precise control successfully avoided further shunt malfunction.
- Neurotropin medication proved effective in managing the pain associated with RSD.
Implications:
- Siphon control systems offer a viable alternative for managing CSF shunts in complex cases.
- Effective management of shunt complications like RSD is crucial for patient outcomes.
- This case highlights the importance of tailored shunt management strategies to prevent adverse events.