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What Are The Long Term Effects Of Hydrocephalus In Adults?

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Posted on Wed, 18 Jan 2017
Question: This question may sound strange, but I guess it is never too late. I was born with hydrocephalus way back in 1952. I was operated on at 7 months old, and I have lived a "normal" life. But I have always felt there is something awry with me. So, on my "to do" list, I wonder, if I could be tested to see exactly what is wrong.
Just for a little information I can say my attention span and sense of direction are both bad. Also, I never was a very good reader. I will pick up a book and 2 minutes later, put it down. What is that?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes you absolutely can be tested....

Detailed Answer:
And You're right....It's NEVER TOO LATE! Just look at the XXXXXXX Cavaliers in 2016 and the XXXXXXX Indians who almost WERE the champs!

For what you're referring my recommendation is that you seek out a NEUROLOGIST who can perform an excellent history and get the details of what may be a form of learning disability, dyslexia, or the like. The next step would be to perform some blood and lab work such as FT4, TSH, A1C, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, serum homocysteine, and a urinalysis.

The neurologist may on his decision also obtain an MRI of the head to see if in fact, there is at least radiographic evidence for ongoing issues with hydrocephalus and to see whether it is communicating (most likely) vs. noncommuncating.

Finally, if I were treating you here in beautiful XXXXXXX Ohio.....after these tests were completed I would send you to a neuropsychological colleague of mine to run a full battery of tests to see whether or not you may have an organic reason for lack of attention or poor concentration on tasks.

I've carefully reread the EMG/NCV report.

The uploaded report concludes the presence of a motor DEMYELINATING neuropathy and does not make specific mention of a SENSORY neuropathy or a LACK thereof.

For these reasons and in my opinion, I would grade the REPORT that you've uploaded as INCOMPLETE. Furthermore, it is not possible from the way the report's written to tell whether it was the examiner who did not perform the full complement of tests typically done when a complaint of "numbness in the legs" is provided as part of the history or that the pertinent NEGATIVES failed to be documented for what was actually done.

I would much appreciate your support of the complete response to your question by leaving a 5 STAR rating of service with several words of encouragement and would also appreciate your rating 2 previous questions that I recently answered for you several days ago and which you had indicated were highly satisfactory.

Please enjoy a safe and Happy New Year in 2017.

This query has utilized a total of 20 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dariush Saghafi (41 hours later)
Thank you for your reply Dr. Saghafi,

I agree I should see a neuropsychologist for the best information. I checked out one here locally and the initial visit is $300.00. So for that reason I don't know if I should let sleeping dogs lie, or proceed with my curiosity.

I am going to think all of this over. If I lived in the XXXXXXX area, I would make an appointment with you, but I live in St. XXXXXXX Missouri.

Thank you, though, for the information and I will keep you posted.

Sincerely,
XXXXXXX XXXX

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Did you ask if they accepted insurance?

Detailed Answer:
I understand your dilemma. Here are a couple of suggestions. Perhaps, you've already thought about these things but in case I can give you another idea or 2.

1. Did you call your insurance company for names of NEUROPSYCHOLOGISTS who are within your network?

2. Did you ask the neuropsychologist if they would accept some type of payment plan?

3. Did you call other neuropsychologists to compare prices?

4. Did you call the local COUNTY HOSPITAL....generally these sorts of facilities obtain both state and federal dollars in subsidies in return for the promise to provide care to those who are either indigent or have limited insurance. They will usually offer such patients ratings or sliding scales of payments. County Hospitals are often TEACHING INSTITUTIONS and those are usually some of the BEST and most likely places one can find specialty people such as neuropsychologists which in the private sector may be rather expensive.

4a. Have you tried the ST. XXXXXXX UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER? If you try the NEUROLOGY Dept. there then, you may look up Dr. Laurence XXXXXXX and tell him you got this referral from myself. I know him from back in the days that I was in training. If you use my full name of Dr. Dariush Saghafi or refer to me as Dr. Dar from XXXXXXX OH I think he'll remember me.

Here is the link to his webpage:

https://providers.ssmhealth.com/profile/laurence-j-kinsella-md

5. In the XXXXXXX area I can tell you that neuropsychologists in private practice are charging upwards of $1000.00 for visits so the $300.00 charge is actually quite reasonable in comparison with this geographic region! I guess it is true that the grass always seems greener! LOL....

6. BTW, I am NOT a neuropsychologist. I am a NEUROLOGIST.

All the best.

And if you could remember to CLOSE THE QUERY if I've provided you with useful information and even add a few nice words of encouragement with a 5 Star rating that would be very appreciated. Let me know how things go at SLUMC if you do get there.

This query has utilized a total of 80 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2473 Questions

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What Are The Long Term Effects Of Hydrocephalus In Adults?

Brief Answer: Yes you absolutely can be tested.... Detailed Answer: And You're right....It's NEVER TOO LATE! Just look at the XXXXXXX Cavaliers in 2016 and the XXXXXXX Indians who almost WERE the champs! For what you're referring my recommendation is that you seek out a NEUROLOGIST who can perform an excellent history and get the details of what may be a form of learning disability, dyslexia, or the like. The next step would be to perform some blood and lab work such as FT4, TSH, A1C, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, serum homocysteine, and a urinalysis. The neurologist may on his decision also obtain an MRI of the head to see if in fact, there is at least radiographic evidence for ongoing issues with hydrocephalus and to see whether it is communicating (most likely) vs. noncommuncating. Finally, if I were treating you here in beautiful XXXXXXX Ohio.....after these tests were completed I would send you to a neuropsychological colleague of mine to run a full battery of tests to see whether or not you may have an organic reason for lack of attention or poor concentration on tasks. I've carefully reread the EMG/NCV report. The uploaded report concludes the presence of a motor DEMYELINATING neuropathy and does not make specific mention of a SENSORY neuropathy or a LACK thereof. For these reasons and in my opinion, I would grade the REPORT that you've uploaded as INCOMPLETE. Furthermore, it is not possible from the way the report's written to tell whether it was the examiner who did not perform the full complement of tests typically done when a complaint of "numbness in the legs" is provided as part of the history or that the pertinent NEGATIVES failed to be documented for what was actually done. I would much appreciate your support of the complete response to your question by leaving a 5 STAR rating of service with several words of encouragement and would also appreciate your rating 2 previous questions that I recently answered for you several days ago and which you had indicated were highly satisfactory. Please enjoy a safe and Happy New Year in 2017. This query has utilized a total of 20 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.