i have a history of migraines but nothing like this. they are completely different and only last a day or two. this has lasted over two months and got better for about 4 or 5 days after having a spinal tap. and now is better again after having a nother spinal tap. when it started i lost vision in right eye for 3 days after having a strange warm feeling run down the back of my head. ct normal. mri showed a 1.4 cm pineal cyst but otherwise normal. no pain meds or migraine meds have helped. demeral shots only help for few hours while sleeping then headache returns. LP pressure was 200 the first time and 16 the second whatever that means. does anyone have any idea of what is causing my headache, that at times causes screaming pain. when not screaming, it is constant almost like my brain is pressing on my skull and throbbs when i change position.
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Q: I have had a headache for over 2 months only getting better the 2 times I have had a LP
Hi acherry,
How awful to be in pain for so long. Repeated lumbar punctures can't be too fun for you. We are no medical professionals so we can't diagnose you online, but let's see if I can give you some information that may be helpful.
Here is a question for you first? Were you on your side or belly when you had your lumbar puncture? The best way to have one is on your side or sitting up. This is the way the doctor can get the most accurate reading.
Headaches that aren't relieved by medication, vision problems, tinnitus (ringing in ears) neck pain, and pain behind the eyes may be symptoms of a condition called PseudotumorCerebri (PTC) or now referred to as Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH). This is when your body either produces too much cerebral spinal fluid or doesn't absorb it properly. HERE is information on IIH. The only was to definatively diagnose IIH is with a lumbar puncture, although some doctors may say otherwise. We have information HERE you can read up on.
The "opposite" condition, so to speak, is cerebrospinal fluid leak (CFS leak). CSF is an escape of fluids that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This is also called Intracranial Hypotension.
At this point it's a good idea to see a Migraine/headache specialist or at the very least get a second opinion. No one should walk around in pain all day, and if you have IIH, vision issues tend to worse and permanent. We have a list of patient recommended specialists you can see HERE.
Good luck
Nancy
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