spinal vs. sinus headache

[mommie1962]

I had my spinal tap 3 days ago.  I had slight pressure in my head that improved when laying down.  I even made it through 1/2 a day of work yesterday. Now I also have a stopped up head and little bit of a runny nose.  Today I woke up with a headache--still just pressure.  It increases when I move. It does not get better when I lay down.  Feels like I could be coming down with something.  How do I know the difference between a spinal headache and a sinus headache?  The pain is not REAL bad--I can live with it.

[amos13]

I actually just had a spinal tap last week.  2 days later, came down with a nasty sinus infection & was put on antibiotics.  I felt pressure from the sinus infection, but the LP headache is definitely different.  It felt very intense when I was upright too long, then almost immediately went away when I laid down.  It took me almost a week for the LP headache to subside & allow me to tolerate sitting & standing for any length of time.  The nurse at my neuro's office said sometimes it takes a while, especially for smaller females, and everyone is different.  She also said all the coughing & nose blowing may have prolonged the healing.  Anyway, from what you're describing, I would say you're having more sinus pain.  Good luck!

[HVAC]

A spinal headache feels like really intense when you stand up. For me I got sick upon rising and had to lie back down.  It was really intense. I have migraines which make me vomit for days and the LP headache was noticeably different and worse. Sinus headache would be like a normal sinus headache with pressure.