Bilateral sixth cranial nerve palsy following lumboperitoneal shunt

Abstract

Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt is considered as a unique procedure in neurosurgical practice. The over drainage of Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is considered a usual side effect of the procedure that usually manifests in the form of subdural collection, headache, or nausea and vomiting. However, cranial nerve palsy, particularly abducens nerve palsy, is a rare manifestation of CSF over drainage. We describe our experience with a patient that has developed bilateral sixth nerve palsy followed by LP shunt insertion, with resolution of the symptoms upon removal of the shunt. This shades the light on a rare but significant complication related to Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt insertion that necessitate the modification in the hardware of valve or insertion technique to decrease the risk of CSF over the drainage.