Programmable shunt-related suicide attempt.
The treatment of hydrocephalus has benefited recently from the use of programmable shunt valves. These devices can be adjusted using magnets to regulate how much spinal fluid is drained. However, it is unclear to what extent other environmental magnetic sources can affect programmable valves. We present the case of a man who attempted suicide by successfully turning his adjustable valve to a near-maximal setting using a hand-held electromagnet, and discuss other reported cases in order to better understand the effects of environmental magnets on programmable shunt valves.
Turner
S G
SG
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
Hall
W A
WA
D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D015984:Causality; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D020547:Lateral Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D018579:Patient Selection; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed