I was wondering if anyone had a spinal headache from a spinal tap. I just got a tap last Thurs. and have had the headache for three days. It is aweful. I thought that it would only be a day or two, if I got one, but now I'm not so sure. I am not able to go to work, because the only way to relieve the pain is to lay down. Motrin doesn't help. They even used a smaller needle than most neurologists use, so I figured I'd be okay. Funny thing is that the procedure was what I was afraid of, and it wasn't bad at all...but this headache...!!! Anyone have experience w/this?
Posted by Vermont_Lymie (Member # 9780) on :
This is what I was told by the neurologist who gave me a spinal tap, years back: that the headache was caused by the loss of spinal fluid. The headache does not end until the spinal fluid replenishes itself and the small hole from the injection site heals, so that the fluid does not leak out anymore.
You should lie down until the headache goes away! This took a long time for me, about 2 weeks...The neuro said this was rare, that the headache usually goes away in a few days.
But I had to remain prone for almost 2 full weeks. Hope it takes you a shorter time! Try to get out of going to work and remain lying down if at all possible.
Posted by ByronSBell 2007 (Member # 11496) on :
I am good friends with a pain management MD and he said just to lay down as much as you can becuase it may take a little while. Also the place they inserted the needle may be soar for a while mine was soar for about 7 months...
Posted by elle108 (Member # 11730) on :
What I have been told is that it is important to lie PERFECTLY flat on your back. Doing so regulates the pressure in your CNS and relieves the headache.
I hope you're feeling better soon!
Posted by pab (Member # 904) on :
I'm a mom of 2 kids that have had many spinal taps.
Have you been flat for at least 24 hours? You don't have to be on your back, you can be on your side. You need to keep hydrated. Caffeine usually helps too.
It's possible to have a leak and a blood patch usually fixes it.
My kids have pseudo-tumor cerebri and their recovery from a spinal tap is usually 2 weeks. The neurosurgeon does drain the fluid, that is the reason they have the taps.
Posted by Dawn in VA (Member # 9693) on :
Oh yes, oh yes, the spinal tap headache was sure a mess!
I had to lie completely flat on my back for a week. I was getting concerned about it and called the neuro who did it. His nurse said that I could come back to get a "blood patch" That procedure: a small amount of your own blood is injected into your spinal column to increase the fluid therin. Because some of your spinal fluid has been withdrawn, there's no longer enough pressure in there to support the weight of your head/top portion of neck area and it causes the lower part of the brain to "sag" some. That's why the headache. (On a personal note: my spinal tap was really painful- the neuro actually attempted to tap into BONE his first two tries- and I did not want to get anything else pricked in there by that man. So I don't have direct experience with the blood patch.)
My headache did eventually fully dissipate about 1.5 weeks afterwards.
I would recommend that you call your neruo if you're concerned about it and if it goes on much longer.
Posted by Dawn in VA (Member # 9693) on :
Oh yeah, and what pab said too- keep REALLY, really hydrated.
Posted by Michelle M (Member # 7200) on :
I did everything they said, and THEN some. I lay down not for just a few hours but the rest of the day. The headache was monstrous. It took a LONG time for it to go away. The only thing that helped was to lie down. And that helped immediately.
I got great relief after the spinal for quite a few weeks from my headaches, strangely!
Rather than miss more work, you might inquire about a blood patch, which usually ends the headache ASAP.
Poor thing, they are SO not fun.
Michelle
Posted by pab (Member # 904) on :
The amount of fluid taken makes a big difference. Do you know how much fluid was taken?
Posted by pab (Member # 904) on :
quote: I got great relief after the spinal for quite a few weeks from my headaches, strangely!
The only thing that helps my kids' headaches is a spinal tap.
Posted by Michelle M (Member # 7200) on :
quote:Originally posted by pab: The amount of fluid taken makes a big difference. Do you know how much fluid was taken?
Yup -- he took an extra whopper of a tube for IGeneX, shaking his head and clucking the whole time!!! He kind of threw it at me when he was done!
Posted by amk33 (Member # 13206) on :
Thanks for all the replies. I got the tap done in a pain management center that uses a small needle and was told by Dr. F. that it would be just like having blood taken. This was true. However, she didn't mention the headache. They told me about it right before the procedure (not really going to change my mind about it then). Since they use such a small needle, they don't even have you lie down afterwards. I just had to sit in a chair for 30 mins. and then was okay to drive myself home. The headache started the next day and is going on day #4. Good thing that I can get relief by lying down, but I really can't miss anymore work. I'm wondering if I should wait it out a couple more days, or see if they will give me a blood patch. I'm going to call them now. Thanks to all for your replies!
Posted by onthemend (Member # 13454) on :
Hi amk33,
I got a monster headached with first LP (nothing from #2). I carried on for 3 days, laying down, etc. before giving up. I rec'd the blood patch, thru a pain mgt doc. It was immediately effective.
Good Luck!
onthemend
Posted by pab (Member # 904) on :
amk33,
How are you feeling today? Did you talk to your doctor?
Posted by amk33 (Member # 13206) on :
Update- Yesterday, I called the pain management center, and they scheduled me for a blood patch for today. However, I was able to go to work today and my spinal headache is pretty much gone (keeping fingers crossed). My regular, one-sided headache has returned, but this I can deal with. So, I cancelled the blood patch. Thank goodness. That headache was aweful. I don't think I will ever get another tap. Thanks again to everyone!
Posted by amk33 (Member # 13206) on :
Pab, Thanks for your concern. I am feeling better. I'm so sorry to hear that your children have to go through that. It must be so difficult for you. I have a problem just taking my son for a regular shot. I hope that you and your children are doing well. Thanks for your support.
Posted by onthemend (Member # 13454) on :
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