Spinal Headache Question from Kruzich

[jensequitur]

I'm reposting this question from Kruzich, who has a spinal headache/blood patch question.

Hello, I am new to this forum, and have a few questions.
My cousin was injured back in December 08 while pulling the string (twine) off bales of straw.  It was when we were having -30 degree wheather.  He was alone, and we estimate he was knocked out for about 29 minutes.  Ever since his accident, he has been going to a doctor that has just been prescribing medication after medication.  He goes to the same doctor that his father goes to and has been going to now for 25 years.  (He also had a head injury 25 years ago)  The doctor tells Rip that his headaches are genetic because this is something his father has been dealing with also.

Rip is only able to be up for about a total of 2-3 hours each day, and he lays down and sleeps the remaining time out of a 24 hr. period.  He is very emotional and moody, and his temper flares.  I can only imagine how painful his head is.

We finally convinced the doctor to do some tests, and they came back as Rip having a Spinal Fluid Leak, and he was suppose to have a blood patch today, but it has now been put off til next week.  The doctor told him that he they will do the blood patch only once.  If he doesn't have relief within the first 24 hours, it didn't work, and it won't work if they do it again.  

So basically if the blood patch doesn't work in one shot, he has to live with this the rest of his life!!  And ther is nothing else to be done!!

A few of you have had more than one blood patch and are convinced (you feel better) two or more have helped??

Also, do you think it is possible that this is the problem with my uncle that has had this headache for almost 25 years now?

Everything I read says that Spinal Fluid Leaks resolve themselves within 1-180 days??  Does anyone think that this could be more serious?

Any advice would be gre

[Karen99]

Where is the spinal leak supposed to be coming from?  And how did the doctor determine it's a cerebral spinal leak?  Did he have a lumbar puncture?

Low pressure in the spinal fluid can be caused from a leak in within the head that drains out the nose. (barely noticeable)  It causes a tremendous headache until it is corrected.  Trauma can dislocate the part within the head that causes this.  I'm not explaining this in the correct words, sorry.   Surgery is the only way that I have heard to correct this situation.

If a spinal leak is suspected ONLY a neurologist or neurosurgeon should be making and treating that condition.  

I hope this helps.  Maybe it's a possibility.  

[Fluffysmom]

I had a blood patch after a lumbar puncture when I had a spinal leak, and it helped a great deal.  I don't know if a blood patch would do the trick after all this time, but I would definitely think it would be worth a try.  It is a simple procedure and can work wonders.

I wouldn't take one doctor's word as the final word; I would suggest that you help him arrange for a second opinion, after going ahead with the blood patch.

I'm not impressed with a doctor that says his headaches are genetic because his father had them; they both had head injuries!  I hope you can find a doctor with experience in traumatic brain injuries.  Having been knocked out for that length of time sounds like a pretty tough blow.

I can't imagine having that kind of headache for all those years; no wonder he's temperamental and moody.  

Wishing you and your uncle all the best.  

Kathy

[Fluffysmom]

OOPs, I got a little mixed up, sorry.  I reread your post and saw that your cousin's injury was more recent.  I hope that the blood patch will help.  I think that a spinal leak heals, but can be re-opened with new trauma.  If he stays down after the blood patch so that it really has a chance to do it's job, it will have a better chance of succeeding.

That being said, I still think that a second opinion is a good idea, for both your cousin and your uncle.

Wishing your whole family all the best, :o)

Kathy

[Karen99]

I'm not clear.  Did this person have a lumbar puncture or head trauma?

[Fluffysmom]

"My cousin was injured back in December 08 while pulling the string (twine) off bales of straw.  It was when we were having -30 degree wheather.  He was alone, and we estimate he was knocked out for about 29 minutes."

What I understood was that the accident caused severe headaches and other issues, which have finally been diagnosed as being caused by a spinal fluid leak.  

Kruzich, do you know where the spinal fluid leak is located?  In the cervical spine?  I mentioned a traumatic brain injury because of his loss of conciousness.  That could have also cause a spinal trauma.

I hope he gets the best care, and finds much relief.