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Spinal headaches are very intense headaches. Spinal headaches occur after a procedure such as a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or epidural block (during labor and delivery). Alternatively, they may also be referred to as post-dural puncture headaches or epidural headaches. Certain procedures involving the spine may cause headaches. 

Approximately one in 100 and one in 500 patients experience post-dural puncture headaches following an epidural or spinal injection. In addition to myelograms, spinal taps, and epidurals, these procedures are also used to provide anesthesia. If you are one of the many people who suffer from headaches, you may be looking for information on headache treatment. This site provides information on the different types of headaches and how to treat them.

After undergoing a spinal procedure, many people do not experience headaches. A person with these headaches typically feels better when lying down and worse when sitting up or standing. If you suffer from a headache, you may be able to relieve the pain at home by taking care of yourself. It usually subsides within a few days. Moreover, the duration of spinal headaches typically ranges from a few hours to a few days. However, if it lasts for a long time, you should see a pain doctor in Dallas.

Why Is This Different From Regular Headaches?

In general, headaches originate in the cranial region and are not caused by spinal problems. It is important to distinguish between these two types of headaches based on the cause of the headache.

It is estimated that approximately 40% of patients who undergo spinal anesthesia or a spinal tap will experience a spinal headache as a natural side effect. However, some studies place the number at a much higher level. It is more common for women, individuals between the ages of 18 and 30, and individuals with a low body mass to suffer from spinal headaches.

What Are The Symptoms Of Spinal Headaches?

Spinal headaches can cause pain in the following ways:

• Feel dull and throbbing

• Symptoms may range from mild to incapacitating

• Sitting up makes it worse and lying down makes it better

Additionally, you may have noticed:

• Feeling dizzy

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Deafness

• Double vision or blurry vision

• Nausea

• Neck stiffness

Causes Of Spinal Headaches

One of the most common causes of spinal headaches is a puncture (hole) created during a procedure known as a spinal tap or lumbar puncture. As a result of this procedure, pain physicians in Dallas diagnose illnesses and administer anesthesia, such as when pregnant women receive an epidural during childbirth. Close-up of the needle in the spinal canal in the area of the lower spine where the spinal tap was performed. As a result of a lumbar puncture, a doctor inserts a needle into the spinal canal to deliver anesthesia or to obtain a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid in the spinal canal. Occasionally, spinal fluid leaks from the tiny hole created by the needle.

As a result of the loss of fluid, the fluid balance surrounding the brain decreases, causing the brain to sag downward. As a result, Headaches occur due to the stretching of the surrounding nerves and tissues. Other conditions can cause spinal fluid leaks that cause headaches. An injury to the head or face, like a fractured skull, can result in a ruptured cyst on the spinal cord.

Diagnosis

In addition to asking questions about your headache, the provider will conduct a physical examination. Furthermore, do not forget to mention any recent procedures you have undergone, particularly a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia.

Your provider may recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out other causes of your headache. The examination utilizes a magnetic field and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of the brain.

Treatment For Spinal Headaches

Spinal headaches can disappear on their own without treatment within two days to a few weeks without treatment. But if it persists for a long period, spinal headaches treatment is necessary.

Spinal headaches treatment may include the following:

• Hydration

It is possible to raise the pressure of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) by hydrating. You may need to receive fluids through your veins (the doctor will refer to these as intravenous fluids or IVs for short).

• Caffeine

You may be advised by your doctor to consume a caffeinated beverage.

• Bed Rest

It may be necessary for you to take it easy for 24 to 48 hours.

• Medication

Your best pain doctor in Dallas may prescribe drugs such as gabapentin, hydrocortisone, or theophylline if other methods are not effective.

• Blood Patch

During a procedure, if you experience a spinal headache, the anesthesiologist can create a patch using your blood to seal the leak.

As a result of injecting anesthetic into the same area, the anesthesiologist inserts the blood patch using a needle. Afterward, Your epidural space will then be filled with a small amount of blood. As a result, the blood clots and seals the hole that caused the leak.

Risk Factors

Risk factors associated with spinal headaches are:

• The age range is between 18 and 30 years old

• Being female

• Being pregnant

• A history of frequent headaches

• Undergoing procedures involving the use of larger needles or multiple punctures in the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord

• Having a small body mass

Is It Necessary To Seek Assistance?

Usually, It is not necessary to treat spinal headaches. Two out of ten individuals who suffer from a spinal headache and require some treatment will often be able to relieve pain at home.
Despite this, there are several reasons why you should seek medical attention when you suffer from a spinal headache. Premier Pain Centers provides state-of-the-art treatments for individuals suffering from spinal headaches, such as epidural injections and nerve blocks.

What Symptoms Warrant A Doctor's Attention?

• It is recommended that you should seek medical attention if your spinal headaches recur

• You should seek medical attention if you suffer from severe headaches

• You should seek medical attention if your headache does not resolve within 24 hours

• After a spinal tap, you may have difficulty urinating or lose feeling in your back or legs

What You Can Do?

• Any symptoms you are experiencing, including those that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment, should be noted.

• Be sure to keep a record of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.

• If possible, bring a family member or friend with you. As a result of your condition, you may require assistance in getting to your appointment. Additionally, someone who is accompanying you may be able to recall information that you have forgotten or overlooked.

• Make a list of questions you would like to ask your provider.

• You can make the most of your time with your provider by preparing questions in advance.

If you are experiencing a spinal headache, you can ask the following questions:

• Is there a likely cause of my symptoms or condition?

• Are there other causes?

• What tests do I need?

• Do I have a temporary or chronic condition?

• What is the best course of action?

• Is there anything else you can suggest?

• I also suffer from other health conditions. What is the best way to manage them together?

• Do I need to adhere to any restrictions?

• Do I need to see a specialist?

Could you please provide me with brochures or other printed material? Can you recommend any websites?

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Rare Spinal Headache Complications

Occasionally, spinal headaches can lead to life-threatening complications if they are not treated:

The presence of bleeding within the skull (called a “subdural hematoma ”)

• Bleeding in your back

• Seizure

• Infection

Taking A Look Forward

A spinal tap or head injury can result in an imbalance of spinal fluid and the development of spinal headaches. But spinal headaches usually last for some time. But if the pain is unbearable and persists for a long time. You should consult your doctor. He will provide you with the best spinal headaches treatment. Dr. Ali of Pain Management Specialists understands this better than most and recommends that patients seek help for spinal headaches as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are pain management doctors in Fort Worth with the expertise to help manage your headache pain and provide relief.

Premier Pain Centers

Those suffering from severe muscle pain can receive medical treatment at Premier Pain Centers in the United States. It is the mission of our organization to provide comfort and peace to individuals.

We are committed to providing our patients with the most efficient and effective treatment for serious conditions related to pain through a one-stop medical care center composed of highly qualified, skilled, and expert physicians. A comprehensive medical care program, including expert medical administration, interventional