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Have Headaches, Blood Patch. Had Lumbar Puncture. What Is Going On?
I had a lumbar puncture 2 1/2 weeks ago. Since then, I have had headaches . At times they are very severe, where I have to lay down to make the pain go away. There are also instances where I have even thrown up. Since the LP, I have had a constant headache, but not that severe. It is only severe from time to time, (ie: if I get up too fast, if I strain, tip my head over, etc). My doctor wants to do a blood patch to get rid of the headache, but he is skeptical that the headache is from the LP. How long does it take the dura to heal after a LP and should I do the blood patch anyway? Thanks.
Sat, 16 Mar 2013
Hello
Welcome to HCM
Headache is one of common complication of Lumbar Puncture. After lumbar puncture due to change in volume of CSF headache occurs. Other complications are nausea, vomiting. Usually headache occurs in mild degree. If it continues for long medicines as analgesics are given. Most common analgesic used is Paracetamol. It has good results. Other thing that can be done in this headache is to take plenty of fluids, dehydration increases it. Don't strain in excess. For some time avoid lifting weights.
Usually in about 4 weeks pain relief occurs by own.
If no relief occur then visit your doctor.
Thanks
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
Welcome to HCM
Headache is one of common complication of Lumbar Puncture. After lumbar puncture due to change in volume of CSF headache occurs. Other complications are nausea, vomiting. Usually headache occurs in mild degree. If it continues for long medicines as analgesics are given. Most common analgesic used is Paracetamol. It has good results. Other thing that can be done in this headache is to take plenty of fluids, dehydration increases it. Don't strain in excess. For some time avoid lifting weights.
Usually in about 4 weeks pain relief occurs by own.
If no relief occur then visit your doctor.
Thanks
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
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