After my first brain surgery - an ETV - I learned pretty quickly that recovery wasn't the only time period in which a major neurological surgery like that affects your head. Scar tissue can itch for months or even years afterwards and some medications (such as Midodrine used for blood pressure control) can make that itching scalp-wide. But more that that is the overall sensitivity that I have experienced as a result.
My husband can attest to the fact that pulling my hair, even one strand of it, can be impossibly painful after my second surgery - a VP shunt. That said, I have found that it is very difficult for me personally to tolerate a number of hairstyles and head coverings that I once took for granted. So, here is a list of items to consider if you are thinking about placing a shunt. Hairdos:
Hairdon'ts:
I hope you enjoyed this little list. Had I known ahead of time, I would have done some research into alternative hairstyles and such. Alas, I am learning the hard way after the fact. However, I hope some of these suggestions help and I look forward to y'all sharing any tips and tricks you have learned with your own locks! Hopefully, we can all discover cute new ways to resume our fancy hairdos post shunt placement! Happy hair days to you all, Danielle
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**Please note that all advice and experiences listed on the Dani's Dabbles website and corresponding blog is NOT to be substituted for professional medical advice. Please consult your own doctors before making any decisions that might impact your health. Our site is meant as a way for patients to become more knowledgeable about shared conditions so that they can better advocate for themselves. Keep researching and be responsible for your health in a way that is both safe and healthy!**
4 Comments
Morgan
8/13/2023 12:39:30 pm
Thank you for this blog! Just got diagnosed at 32 and have my first shunt. I’m 4 weeks post op today. If you still read these, I’m curious on an update. Do you have further advice on hair care/styles/coloring etc or fitness/exercise?
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Morgan, I sure hope that you are doing well! I am just getting back into my blog and will hopefully be publishing more insight in the near future. Thank you for the questions; I will try to aim a few of the first ones at those concerns. Thank you for reading!
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Shan
9/6/2023 08:54:12 am
Thank you so much for posting this! These are great tips! I have very thick long hair and am not happy about getting part of it shaved off. I have my surgery in a couple of weeks and will definitely invest in some big hats. The itchiness of it all didn't even cross my mind, so I'm glad you brought that up!
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