Severe Headaches post Pacemaker implantation

[satish52]

Hi, My wife has had a problem of Atrial Fibrillation for a while now, and even got operated for the same at Mount Sinai in New York. Recently she simultaneously developed Bradycardia, which became life threatening and hence she had to undergo a pacemaker implantation on an emergency basis.

Now while the pacemaker is working perfectly,and the heart doctors are happy with her progress, she seems to have developed a tendency for severe shooting headches that start from around her neck region and go on to the brain. She complains of them being there only in half the head initially, until it starts spreading to the full head and becomes even more unbearable.

We have gotten all the neuro check ups done, and touch wood there is no problem there. However the pain is not subsiding and we are trying to figure out what might be causing this.

Does anyone have any suggestions or similar problems that have been cured? Pls advise

Thank you.

[Momto3]

Any chance she is having migraine headaches?  Do OTC pain relievers help, or has the doctor prescribed any medication(s)?  Good news on the neuro exams.

[satish52]

doctors have ruled out migrane since she has never had that before. Pain killers are also giving her temporary relief only. we are still baffled by what the root cause of the headaches would be.

any suggestions?

[Momto3]

Has the doctor determined what "kind" of headache she is having?  Tension, stress, cluster?   What about a reaction to medication, or blood pressure change?

[satish52]

Her BP is surely on the higher side... but again thats been there throughout her life...

[Robbrian]

I'm having the same symptoms.  Implant 8/28/09.  Surgeon said it was the first time she had been told about this side effect.  Nothing on the Web, and my GPd is mystified.

I found that when I eat the pain and pressure subside. If I'm active there is some reduction in the sense of pressure around my neck but the head pain dosen't persists.

If I get a response I'll copy you

Robbrian

[ptadvoc8]

Sorry to hear your wife is struggling with headaches. I am unaware of anything on headaches directly related to pacemaker implantation, but I have seen a few anecdotes in the research literature of migraine and migraine like headaches and aura suddenly occurring in patients (who reported no history of them) post-ablation -- they seem to be particularly associated with transeptal puncture (poking a hole between the heart wall in the upper chambers). I have also heard from patients who had long term pain, soreness and "feelings of fullness" in their necks and heads post ablation and post ICD implantation. While I have no idea of the actual cause of this, I suppose it might be possible to have residual inflammation or nerve irritation from catheter insertion and manipulation. There are some major nerves in the mandibular region that often seem to "act up" when there is also pain or injury to the chest, arms and head. If she continues to experience these headaches, I would definitely keep pushing the doctors for answers and help with this as such pain can really interfere with quality of life. Best wishes and good luck!  

[overactor2004]

i had a biotronic duel-chamber pacemaker implanted feb 2009, i need an icd due2having sick sinus syndrome&no circumflex artery.  the past month ive been getting extremely severe headaches that arent relieved by pain meds plus my back is hurting more 2.  im getting bradycardia despite the pacemaker & tachy is worse also extremely exhausted & still fainting alot.  my chriropractor, primary dr & neuro are all mystified.  any help would be greatly appreciated...

[Lisa33167]

@Robbrian we were implanted the same day

I have had more of the soreness and "feelings of fullness" in their necks up to the back of my head.  My shoulder is a bit sore also but it could be from holding the way I have to.  

The soreness could be from surgeries last week or where they used paddles during surgery, I'm not sure and I haven't taken any meds since saturday morning, but I'm thinking of calling them and getting some.

[underinformed35]

I was having severe headaches after an ablation and found out I was having junctional rhythms and had to have a pacemaker. I had them even after the pacemaker but the doctor reprogrammed my pacemaker and that helped. Maybe some adjustments just need to be made.They told me it would take a few times before they got it right.