HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Are The Possible Causes Of Bad Headaches And Vomiting Every Night?

My 39 year old sister started 2 weeks ago with bad headaches and vomiting every night. She had a CT scan and a MRI and the MRI shows she has an arachnoid cyst at the base of skull at the back of her head. She was referred to a neurosurgeon that she saw today. He was very rude and said her headaches are not because of the cyst. But where it is located her skull has deteriated some. She does not even know where to start over now. She hasn t been able to work because the pain is so intense and she has always had a high pain tolerance. Where should she go from here?
Thu, 12 May 2016
Report Abuse
Neurologist, Surgical 's  Response
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM.


I can understand your concern. Headache with vomiting could be due to posterior fossa arachnoid cyst. It can be further suspected if
: She is having optic disc changes in her both eyes. You have to consult ophthalmologist for it. He will do fundoscopy and look for Papilledema.

If Papilledema is present, it means symptoms are because of high brain pressure as a result of arachnoid cyst compression.
Arachnoid cyst is treated by surgical decompression and establishing connection with normal brain fluid spaces (cistern).

: Another reason could be migraine - It presents as headache in half of head, visual blurring, watering in eyes, tingling sensation same side, aura symptoms before attack e.g. bad smell/bad taste/numbness.

If her symptoms are such, then consult neurologist. It can be treated by preventive therapy like Propranolol/gabapentine/amitriptyline and abortive therapy like Sumatriptan/Ergotamine/Naproxen. Any one medicine will be sufficient for her in the beginning.

Hope it will help you, If still no relief, you can consult doctor or ask another question.

Thanks. Take care.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Arachnoid cyst


Loading Online Doctors....
What Are The Possible Causes Of Bad Headaches And Vomiting Every Night?

Hi, thanks for asking from HCM. I can understand your concern. Headache with vomiting could be due to posterior fossa arachnoid cyst. It can be further suspected if : She is having optic disc changes in her both eyes. You have to consult ophthalmologist for it. He will do fundoscopy and look for Papilledema. If Papilledema is present, it means symptoms are because of high brain pressure as a result of arachnoid cyst compression. Arachnoid cyst is treated by surgical decompression and establishing connection with normal brain fluid spaces (cistern). : Another reason could be migraine - It presents as headache in half of head, visual blurring, watering in eyes, tingling sensation same side, aura symptoms before attack e.g. bad smell/bad taste/numbness. If her symptoms are such, then consult neurologist. It can be treated by preventive therapy like Propranolol/gabapentine/amitriptyline and abortive therapy like Sumatriptan/Ergotamine/Naproxen. Any one medicine will be sufficient for her in the beginning. Hope it will help you, If still no relief, you can consult doctor or ask another question. Thanks. Take care.