Lumbar puncture headache
Posted , 3 users are following.
Good afternoon. Two days ago I had a lumbar puncture performed by my neurologist. Procedure itself went off without a hitch. About an hour later I started having a really bad headache in the back of my head. It mostly went away when I laid down. I understand this is not uncommon. I was told to lay down, drink plenty of fluids, and take caffeine.
Friday night I woke up in middle of the middle of the night in absolute agony - worst pain I ever felt in my life. Pain was shooting down the back of my neck into both of my arms. This lasted for about a half hour. Thankfully it eased up and I managed to fall asleep again.
Saturday morning I felt somewhat better ( was able to stand up and go to the bathroom for the first time without pain), but by mid afternoon, I had to remain entirely in bed to avoid really bad headaches. Saturday night again I had a brief bout of insane pain.
Sunday morning I felt well enough to actually take a shower, but again by mid afternoon, I find myself back in bed again, unable to stand up for more than a few seconds. The whole time I have been taking Tylenol and caffeine, which doesn't seem to be helping much. Each time I think I'm getting better, I end up relapsing.
My neurologist said that if I don't feel better by Sunday night, I should consider going back to the emergency room, though she cautioned they're not going to run to do a blood patch so quickly.
Is this something that can resolve itself on its own? I really would rather not have to go back to the hospital, but I don't know how much longer I can handle this pain.
0 likes, 3 replies
Guest rick80396
Posted
i don't have any experience but can i ask why you had a lumbar puncture
aimee_35765 rick80396
Posted
I had a lumber puncture and suffered for about 2-3 weeks after. First week I had chronic pain in my back, unable to sit up without feeling light headed and in absolute agony. I couldn't even roll over in bed without needing help. The second week I had the worst headaches, known as low pressure headaches from the lumber puncture. The third week I had a lot of pressure and discomfort in my head. I was taking ear drops, nose sprays, codeine, paracetamol, anything to help. After a lot of time, I started to feel normal. Lumber punctures aren't pleasant and it will take a while for you to feel 100% again. Give it time. Rest, eat well and take every day as it comes, everyday I felt different. I felt ok and then the next day I felt awful. It was very frustrating. You'll get a lot of weird aches and pains in your body from it. It's taken me overall a month to feel ok again. Just take it easy.
rick80396 aimee_35765
Posted
Thanks. I ended up having a blood patch on Monday, which, unfortunately, only helped a bit. At least I'm able to stand now for short periods of time. Hoping this goes away soon.