What would a lumbar puncture tell a neuro about my headaches? I have had migraines since I was in first grade. I am now 42. I have had a headache for two weeks or plus. My abortives will get rid of them but they return and only 2 are allowed a day. I take toradol for daily pain and I am told not to take it for more than 5 days i a row due to kidney damage. So my neuro ordered a lumbar puncture. What would he be looking for?
There are a couple of things that he could be checking.
1) He could be wanting to rule out illnesses such as meningitis, which can cause horrid headaches and trigger Migraines.
2) He may be checking for a condition called pseudotumor cerebri, aka idiopathic intracranial hypertension, which can also be a big Migraine trigger. You can read more about it in Pseudotumor Cerebri (IIH) - The Basics.
The best way to know what he's looking for is to ask him. He needs to explain such things to you.
Please let us know how it goes?
Hope this helps,
Teri
I hope it gives you some answers. My doctor doing a lumbar puncture was a real turning point for me. Before that, I could only identify my triggers about half the time, and I was averaging five days a week in bed with the Migraine from hell. When he did the LP, he discovered my spinal fluid pressure was too high. He drew off enough fluid to put it in normal pressure range. Immediately, my Migraines decreased by half, and I could identify the triggers for those I still got. Medication to keep the pressure in normal range has helped me tremendously.
Please keep me posted?
Teri
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
We are kinda at the end of our ropes as to what is causing the headaches. I had the puncture done yesterday and they explained all the things that are being tested for because that fluid has so many answers to so many propblems. Thank you for your help though. I just wanted answers immediately.