what is this headache at the back of my head? had a lumbar puncture on thursday.?
i have had this headache since about 2am sunday morning when i got up to feed my baby. it is at the back just behind my left ear and only really hurts if i move suddenly or if i turn my head to the left. yesterday i was also feeling very nauseous but did not actually vomit. last thurday i had a lumbar puncture (well attemted anyway - after 3 attempts i told them i couldnt take anymore as they couldnt get any fluid out) i know lumbar punctures can cause headaches and nausea but am unsure whether it would have been instant or if because i did not have any fluid removed it would not be that. it is like a build up of pressure as i move my head more to the left. i do not get headaches often but when i do they usually go with sleep and this hasnt. i was having the lumbar puncture as a ct scan is only 95% accurate in finding brain bleeds but the doctors were confident that i had recovered from my symptoms quickly enough to rule that out anyway. any ideas anyone? thanks.
i havent drank alcahol in about a year so it cant be that. the reason i went to hospital in the first place was because of a pain at the back of my head but it was nothing like this - it came on suddenly and it felt like my head was going to explode and i couldnt stop vomiting.
i gave birth to my daughter 10 days ago and it was not a very straightforward labour and i havent really been sleeping and am supposed to be resting but am probably overdoing it if that could be connected.
oh and one more thing sometimes it shifts to the left side of my forehead.
Public Comments
1. contact the hospital not us. it could mean a leakage of spinal fluid.2. Lumbar? Base of the spine, right?
I dunno, that doesn't make sense. Did you drink a lot? For the occipital [back] part of the brain is what hurts if we go on a bender.
The occipital doesn't relate to anything on the lower part of the spine.
3. You really should contact your hospital, even though it could just be a headache caused by stress.
4. Better go to the clinic or hospital. If you notice any change in temperature or dizziness don't wait until tomorrow.
5. you may need what they call a blood patch.
If a headache persists after a lumbar puncture it can mean your spinal fluid continued to drain and no clot formed after they pulled out the needle.
to correct this they take a sample of your blood and inject it into the site of the puncture to form a clot to block anymore fluid from leaking out.
This can be very serious contact the facility that performed the puncture, your Dr and if you cant reach either immediately
than call the ER and let them tell you if they think you should come in based on your symptoms for a blood patch.
hope this helps.
This just happened with my mother last month
vomiting is another sign of spinal fluid leaking
6. It is either caused by the lumbar puncture or the condition you have (the reason for the lumbar procedure).Don,t put it off go see a Dr.It doesn,t sound like you have recovered from the brain bleed.Get well soon!
7. no shit but every time i get a headache i drink as much water as i can handle and within moments its gone dehydration dude, i used to get migraines as a kid like my head was splitting apart cause i never gave myself enough fluids. so true.
and if you ever get cramps get a pinch of salt and lick it works instantly every time without fail
8. You need to call or go see your doctor to rule out Fluid leakage.
9. I sympathise, but don't know why people post health questions here. There is NHs Direct where you could get professional advise. All you'll find here is amateurs. Good luck
10. Call your doctor, they need to know whats going on more than we do.
11. You have my sympathies. You are going to feel sick for about 10 years!
12. Please go to the doctor and insist he has you checked out for brain bleeds. My niece has just recovered from this, She had a stent put into her vein to stop the bleeding. She had been suffering for a long time with headaches until one day she collapsed and was rushed to hospital where they operated. She is recovering now but it was quite serious. You must get it checked immediately before it gets worse. Best wishes.
