Can you join the military with hydrocephalus?

Chronic non-communicating hydrocephalus diagnosed in adulthood is uncommon and may be associated with serious complications. This condition is not compatible with service in the military.

Is having a VP shunt a disability?

Even though hydrocephalus is an extremely dangerous condition, especially when left untreated, it does not always qualify an applicant for disability benefits. This is largely because proving one’s limitations requires extensive work and research.

Is having hydrocephalus a disability?

A diagnosis of hydrocephalus is not enough to “automatically” qualify for Long-Term Disability (LTD) benefits under either the Social Security Disability (SSDI) program or under an employer-provided group disability plan (ERISA).

What can you not do with a VP shunt?

Do not touch the valve on your head. It is okay for you to lie on the side of your head with the shunt. For 6 weeks, do not do any activity that may cause you to hit your head. You will probably be able to return to work in less than 1 week.

What can disqualify you from joining the Coast Guard?

Psychiatric and Personality Disorders

• Any disorder or history of disorders with psychotic features.
• History of impulse control and conduct disorders.
• History of depression requiring medication, outpatient treatment or hospitalization.
• History of anxiety requiring medication, outpatient treatment or hospitalization.

Can you get kicked out of the military for migraines?

A history of recurrent headaches is currently disqualifying for military service if “they are of sufficient severity or frequency as to interfere with normal function in the past 3 years.”10 The recurrent headache category is composed predominantly of in- dividuals who suffer from migraine or tension-type headache (as …

How long can a person with hydrocephalus live?

Approximately, 50\% of the affected patients die before three years of age and approximately 80\% die before reaching adulthood. Treatment markedly improves the outcome for hydrocephalus not associated with tumors, with 89\% and 95\% survival in two case studies.

Is VP shunt for life?

Shunting is successful in reducing pressure in the brain in most people. VP shunts are likely to require replacement after several years, especially in small children. The average lifespan of an infant’s shunt is two years. Adults and children over the age of 2 may not need a shunt replacement for eight or more years.

Can you fly with hydrocephalus?

Flying. Flying in a regular commercial jet is fine for most people with shunts. If you were told years ago not to fly, it’s worth asking your neurosurgeon again as things have changed.

What can’t you do with a shunt?

However, people with LP shunts should avoid any activity which involves twisting at the waist, as this can dislodge the shunt.

• Martial arts. Any activity that involves being grabbed around the neck is not advised, as the shunt tubing in the neck can crack.
• Rugby.
• Gymnastics and dance.
• Water sports.
• Golf.
• Other activities.

How old is the oldest person with hydrocephalus?

The longest living hydrocephalic is Theresa Alvina Schaan (Canada) who was born on the 17 March 1941 and diagnosed with having congenital hydrocephalus. Also known as “water on the brain,” it is a condition in which there is extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the brain and spinal cord.

Should I wait to be shunted for hydrocephalus?

Others felt I had hydrocephalus, but that I should wait to be shunted because of the dangers of the operation and the risk that the outcome would not result in significant improvement.

Does hydrocephalus increase the risk of severe covid-19 disease?

Hydrocephalus treatment (shunt or ETV) does not increase a person’s risk for contracting COVID‑19 or developing severe COVID-19 disease. SPECIAL NOTE ON CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 16 YEARS: Studies of the COVID-19 vaccines in children are still in progress.

Is it possible to travel with hydrocephalus?

Traveling with hydrocephalus! Usually it is best to have a baseline CT which shows what the ventricles look like when the person is healthy and then have another scan from a time when the person needed a revision. This way any neurosurgeon can see what happens when the shunt is not working properly.

What happens if you don’t have a medical ID for hydrocephalus?

Without proper identification of a medical condition like hydrocephalus, common symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, sleepiness, and vomiting can be misdiagnosed and appropriate care could be jeopardized or delayed. Medical IDs come in various forms and shapes to learn more about the different medical alert IDs, click here.