Is it normal to have crescendo headaches that start at the base of skull and move up

I s it normal to have crescendo headaches that start at the base of school and move to top of head and feel like the pressure is going to blow out the top? I just had decompression surgery  with durotamy,this was almost a week ago . I felt better at the hospital and when I first came home now vomiting and severe head pain.

LOL
suzanne

[selmaS]

Hi Suzanne,

Have u called ur dr?....u could have a CSF leak....do u feel better if u lie down?

Also, u might check the meds u r on......


"selma"

[phoenix63]

my meds are same  morhine, lortab, neurontin, flexeril, diamox, ambien,
My doctor said not to lay flat , what do they do for csf leak?also I have had vomiting, and leg pain like scaitica since my surgery.Mooving my head sets it off  or moving at all.

[selmaS]

Well, it could be from ur meds, but u may have a CSF leak....and it would be worse than ur really bad chiari HAs when u move....yes?.....it is possible the vomiting is from the intense pain.......

lying flat is usally a method used when there is indeed a CSF leak or reduce the risk...since u have had recent surgery it feels better to have elevation.....but to help drink plenty of H2o and try something caffinated....if not help...call the dr........give it 4 to 5 days and then get the dr involved.

[phoenix63]

these pains are worse than any chiari headaches I have had in the past and ueas I think the vomiting could be from the pain.It does feel better when I lay down, any  or certain moves start the headache.What do they do for a csf leak? Thank you for your help and advice.
Suzanne

[selmaS]

Mainly...u need to drink plenty of H2o...try a bit of caffine drinks.....if not better in a few days with rest call the dr...next step should be to try a bloodpatch....surgery is last resort.

I had  a CSF leak aftera epidural...worse than a chiari HA for sure......u can't move, and if u do, u vomit.Mine resolved on it's own...I had to lie flat, but I did not have surgery...so....keep to bed rest.....plenty of fluids with some caffine here and there don't over do...lol....and in 4 to 5 days if u r the same call the dr.....

"selma"

[rod44]

Hi Susan
I don’t have any experience of surgery but I agree with selma this sounds like it could be a CSF leak, best to get it checked out to be on the safe side.
I hope you feel better soon
Ray

[phoenix63]

Thank you for your advice and help also for your prayers during my surgery.
lol
suzanne

[rod44]

Hi Susan
I am glad the prayers helped and you are on the road to recovery despite this recent glitch

Ray

[WeddingJean]

Wouldn't a CSF leak show up on a CINE-MRI? I have had those type of headaches 4 times in the last 2 months...one of the worst was at the beginning of my 'stroke-type' episode in Aug & the 2nd was last week during my CINE-MRI. I couldn't find the words to describe that kind of pain/headache, but Suzanne nailed it!!

Thanks Suzanne & may I use your definition tomorrow when I see the NL? Hopefully it will make as much sense to him as it does to us.  ***Jean

[LanaB2002]

Hi Suzanne,

Just read your post from yesterday and am so sorry to hear about your set-back.  I agree with Ray that you should let your NS know about this as you may indeed have a leak. They will want to control the vomiting also, it increases the intracranial pressure when you strain...makes your head hurt worce too, doesn't it!

Let us know how you're doing today if you feel like it.
Lana

[anitalounurse]

I am new to this forum and found it to be a blessing!  Great folks with lots of warm hearts and great information!
I had my first "stroke-like" "attack" on 9-21-09.  my headaches vary but are mainly pressure like in nature.
Since you are recent post-op I tend to agree with Selma and the others.
In my opinion, it is always better to be safe than sorry and I would suggest that
you let your surgeon know how you are doing since he (and you / your family) need
to work as a team regarding your medical treatment.
I agree with the things I have read here from Selma, Rod and all the rest of the warm hearts on this site.
Best of luck to you with this post-op glitch and I hope they define it's source and address it promptly.  We all deserve the very best medical treatment we can get.
Hang in there and keep the faith!  And we are all in this together - one way or another....so I will keep you in my daily prayers as well.
Good luck with everything!
Anita

[redkim]

I had vommiting after surgery, but mine was due to the med's.  I was on strong pain med's so I never noticed head pain.  I would call you dr today, it can't hurt to make a phone call.  All the best!