Tag: lumbar-puncture

Coping, Meds & Supplements, Mental Health, Treatment

Spinal Headache Gone… Migraine in Full Force

Kerrie Smyres

The blood patch to treat the headache that followed my spinal tap required an emergency room visit, so I waited until it became absolutely necessary. It didn’t! I skipped it altogether and felt better on Sunday.

Then the hormones from the birth control pills I started Sunday morning kicked in and triggered a massive migraine. It eased off today and I’m enjoying the break. My migraines will probably be more frequent as my body adjusts to the hormones. I’m trying to be extra vigilant so I can use abortives as soon into the migraine as possible.

It has been a tough week, but I’m in good spirits. Since this last migraine let up, I’m using my migraine-free moments wisely. I’ve spent four hours organizing the basement, made cookies and cleaned the kitchen. Now I’m working and looking through the picture window at falling snow. I have a pretty good life.

Coping, Treatment

Spinal Tap Equals Spinal Headache

Kerrie Smyres

On Monday I finally got the spinal tap my doctor requested. The procedure wasn’t bad. I felt bad yesterday, but thought I might escape another spinal headache (and the associated dizziness and nausea). Silly me. I feel horrendous. Even having my head on a small pillow is making me dizzy.

I’m flat on my back in bed, holding my laptop in the air with one hand and typing with the other. Will likely spend the day watching Ugly Betty in a similar position. I plan to give updates through my Twitter account, TDHblog.

First I need to call the doctor to schedule a blood patch.

Coping, Diet, Treatment

Clinical Trials for Treating All Sorts of Headache Disorders

Kerrie Smyres

ClinicalTrials.gov is the place to go if you’ve considered participating in a clinical trial for your headache disorder, These are just the latest in 142 headache studies recruiting participants or will be recruiting soon.

Nearly every headache disorder is represented: cluster, tension-type, post-traumatic, migraine, cervicogenic, lumbar-puncture, medication overuse (rebound)…. Treatments range from medication and surgery to diet, coping skills training, relaxation, meditation, yoga, exercise… Again the list goes on.

The diverse collection of current studies include:

Even if you’re not interested in any of these studies, checking the government’s clinical database regularly may turn up something new that works for you. Searching for “headache” gets the most results, but you can also search by specific headache type. For example, there are 74 active studies on migraine and seven on cluster headaches.

Patient Education, Resources

Spinal Tap (aka Lumbar Puncture) to Diagnose Headache Disorders

Kerrie Smyres

A common headache diagnostic tool, the thought of a lumbar puncture (often called a spinal tap) may terrify you. The length of the needle used is surprising, but the procedure is not that bad. At least, it wasn’t for me and I was needle-shy at the time. Many people have shared similar experiences with me.

Why Lumbar Punctures Are Used
Lumbar punctures are used to check for an underlying condition, like meningitis, hydrocephalus or subarachnoid hemorrhage. They can’t diagnose migraine or tension-type headache, but are used to rule out other possibilities.

What the Procedure is Like
Before the needle is put in, you are given local anesthetic. The anesthetic will sting or burn initially, but you’ll be grateful for it during the next step. After the anesthetic takes effect, the needle to draw the fluid will be inserted. You’ll feel a hard pressure in your back when the needle goes in and might have a few seconds of pain as it goes through the tissue. You may feel pressure while the fluid is being drawn.

The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes, but the part where the needle is in your back only takes a few minutes.

The Dreaded Lumbar Puncture Headache
I’d be lying if I said that spinal headaches following a lumbar puncture are uncommon. However, they are usually gone within 48 hours after the procedure. They are easily treated with pain relievers, lying flat, and drinking a little caffeine and lots of water and are usually gone within 48 hours.

If the headache lasts longer than 48 hours, most doctors will recommend a blood patch. For this, blood is drawn from your arm and then injected in the lumbar region. The blood then forms a clot to seal the puncture hole.

Nearly everyone has relief after a blood patch. Because I’m so special, I became a baseball fan during the three weeks following my lumbar puncture. The odds that you’ll have the same trouble are so low that I’ll spare you the details.

Tips For Your Lumbar Puncture

  • Schedule the procedure for a Friday so you can rest over the weekend.
    If you can send the kids to stay with Grandma and Grandpa, great!
  • If you can stomach it, ask the doctor to explain each step as you go along. Knowing what to expect relieves some of the fear.
  • Have someone drive you to your appointment so you don’t have to drive home. Even if you’re not in pain, you may feel woozy or “off” from nervousness.

Learn More About Lumbar Punctures