Post spinal tap headache

Hi,

I had a spinal tap on Monday (2/25.) Went fine, pain was manageable. My problem is I developed a THROBBING headache on Thu night and it has not gone away. My head throbs if I sit up, if I move, if I cough, if I bend down, etc. Yesterday afternoon, I called the neuro radiologist at the hospital who did the spinal tap, and he dismissed me and told me that this headache can't be related to the spinal tap since it didn't come on until 3 days later. I called my neurologist and he said of course it's related and put me on vicoden for the pain. Has anyone else experienced this? How long does it last? I have a husband and 2 kids to take care of, not to mention the fact that I work full time. If anyone can shed any light and tell me about their experiences, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!

CJT

((((((((((( CJT ))))))))))))

kncb95 said...
I had one last month it was not as bad as I thought it would be. But, after your lumbar puncture make sure to drink alot of water and caffiene to prevent a lumbar headache. If you do begin to have a severe position headache the next day call your doctor you may need to have a blood patch which will seal the hole made by lumbar puncture needle. I don't tell you this to scare you because the chances of this is rare but it happened to me and I was not given any of this information from the medical professional that did mine.
But, I do want you not to worry because the procedure is not that bad.
let us know how it goes.
-Kasey

((((( CJT ))))))) I'm not sure Kasey will see your post. I "quoted" her post from another topic as it looked helpful. But, maybe she'll check out this topic too since it has to do with a Spinal Tap. I'm sorry you are still feeling so sick. What a huge bummer. I know you have a difficult decision to make . . . I hope your doctor becomes more sympathetic. That just made things so much worse when he dismissed you like he did. Hugs and Blessings!

I just went through this myself...but my post-puncture headache started immediately after my spinal tap.  It was crushing pain, and accompanied by projectile vomiting.  Simply AWFUL.  They first tried treatment with IV caffeine and painkillers; no improvement, so they did a blood patch.  I felt good for a few hours afterwards, then the pain/vomiting returned.  4-5 days passed with continued agony and I was confined to lying on my back (could barely get up to even pee)...tons of painkillers, etc. but nothing helped.  So I had to get a second blood patch.  I went home and lay on my back afterwards for about 12 hours, didn't do anything strenuous whatsoever for the next couple of days, and was able to maintain. 

I feel your pain on this one, I hope the blood patch works for you...it was the only thing that brought me relief, and it worked very quickly.  Just make sure you don't "disturb" the clot that forms, so make sure you lie around for a day or two after it's done!