spinal lumber headache

[missy1214]

is it nornal to have a spinal headache right after having a second lumber injection and still have it as i write you right now.i'm thinking that my doctor might have to do an blood patch.how bad does it hurt when they do that?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Generally if the first blood patch fails a second one is done. If the second one fails as well an epidural dextran 40 patch is used.
Please discuss this possibility with your treating neurologist. Let me know if you need more information. Take care!

[robingrrr]

I am 42yo, very active mother of a five year old daughter.
After a week of these headaches and 2 ER visits later I waS admitted for 2 days. They did a LP in the ER before I was admitted so the next day when the Nerologist came he Diagnosed me correctly Spontaneous Spinal Headache which goes away when laying down.:) and ordered a blood patch 20ml. which did not work:( I am on my 7th day of bed rest and have been sitting and standing with no headaches for up to 10 min. Today is Thursday and I hope to go back to my full time position on Mon. I am really trying to ease into things for fear the aweful headache may return. I am trying to get an appointment w/ a non conventional Radiological Neoursurgeon by the name of Dr. Agola based out of Norfolk, Va. just in case. Any advice you have to offer would be great! Thank you Robin

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

The response is positive and immediate in 90% of cases after a blood patch.

[missy1214]

how long does it for the blood patch to start working after it is injection were the leak is?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Yes spinal headaches can occur after second lumbar injections. These headaches occur due to leakage of CSF from the brain.
Treatment includes rest, hydration and steroids. If these fail a blood patch is generally done. The blood patch procedure involves injection of small amount of autologous blood at the spinal tap site.
Let me know if you need more information. Take care!