Hello! I am a recent survivor of a Severe TBI. I acquired Hydrocephalus and now have a VP Shunt, set at the lowest (thus hardest pumping) setting. Is high altitude safe with a Shunt alleviating Hydrocephalus or for brain health after a Severe TBI? I have heard tell that Shunts stop functioning at high altitudes. So far, all Neuro-surgeons I’ve asked respond that they are unsure; they’ve never been asked this before. Yes, I know I can fly. Planes are pressurized to about 8,000 feet for passenger safety. I am historically a mountaineer and live in Washington State. Mountain summits are generally 12,000 to 14,000+ feet. Can I go that high? Also, I have a crush on Nepal and would like to return there. Trekking in the Himalayas keeps you above 10,000 feet for several weeks. Everest Base Camp is 18,500 feet. Can I return there?
Hello @LindsayCaron. This is not a question that can be answered based on Allen Institute resources; however, if anyone in the community has recommendations, they could reply or message you privately.
Thank you, Jeremy!
Hi Lindsay, Did you try hiking to Everest Base camp? I did last month and got as far as Gorakshep, just before base camp when I requested turning around. My guide thought it was fine to have Cheyne Stokes breathing at night, then I noticed my heart rate was getting really slow, and felt I was likely to die. I was having a hard time advocating for myself with ny guide. At the hospital in Kautokeino I was diagnosed with both High altitude cerebral and pulmonary edema. Flying home made it worse. My memory became like a blank slate for the past year. I was ataxic and saw a visual kaleidoscope. Now I am going for an MRI, to consider hydrocephalus from brain surgery (temporalobectomy) 30 years ago exacerbated by the high altitude. I’m also a long distance hiker from Washington state.
If you haven’t gone yet, carefully choose a guide who will take days off to acclimate to altitude and ask specific questions and observe your gait. Its beautiful, but not worth ANY brain trauma.
I’m sorry that happened to you, Carolyn! Horrific. Question: are you saying you already have hydrocephalus or you are having an MRI to assess if you acquired hydrocephalus?
I did go to Gorak Shep and Kala Pattar. I did the 3 Passes Trek. That was 6 or 7 years ago.
I acquired Hydrocephalus 4 years ago when I was hit by a vehicle and acquired severe brain damage. I don’t know facts around this, but… we discovered I had hydrocephalus from a CT Scan. I now have a VP Shunt medical device implanted for life, keeping me alive, so now I cannot get an MRI or x-ray or walk through anything strongly magnetic because that will disrupt the function of my Shunt. If this statement raises any questions for you, a Neuro doc should know these things, or you can contact Hydrocephalus Association.
They want me to have a contrast MRI to assess for hydrocephalus. Years ago I had a temporalobectomy for epilepsy. The high altitude trekking plus scar tissue could have messed things up. I’m going to see a neuro-opthamologist first. Thats less