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Are spinal headaches dangerous?

I had what I call a 'botched spinal tap' on Wednesday...he hit a nerve and aborted the procedure before getting any fluid out. I couldn't let him finish.  You should know, EVEN the anesthesia hurt when going in and I've had 4 kids by natural childbirth...so I am not a sissy!

Anyhow, he gave me no discharge papers; no special instructions and in fact said I didn't have to lay flat because he didn't finish the procedure.

Thursday I got a headache, that was only better when lying down.  It is still with me today (day 4).  And in looking at some online stuff, it seems classic of a spinal headache.  Like he could have still punctured the membrane even if he didn't get to drawing fluid!  

My question is, since I'm on day 4...is that dangerous? Am I doing damage by not going to the ER? I didn't want to call this doctor cause i'm so mad at him.
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Avatar universal
I had a leak, so was told during a regular spinal injection.  I was given a bloodpatch immediately and sent home.  I have had a headache since.  Only deathly when I exert myself so I've realized, eyes burning, ringing in my ears, tired, moody, and constant neck pressure.  I was told by my doctor and an anethesiologist they aren't convinced I still have a leak.  I feel dismissed and patronized.  I have read plenty about this cfs leak thing and feel differently.  Especially that there is a high rate of failure regarding a bloodpatch being performed within 24 hours.  Now, I have been made to feel like I am making this up and quite frankly insulted.  Today I grew very afraid when I began to blow dry my hair and during the process, I got a severe headache, extreme pressure in my neck and lower part of my head and grew nauseated.  Now what?  Earlier when I called my doctor he said to come by on Monday and they will do another bloodpatch, but sounded only to suffice my anxiety not to concerned.  I don't want to go back there.  I want a test to show them I am not "up in the night".  I want this to be over, but I want a doctor to be a bit more concerned than what I think he is being.  I feel my symptoms have elevated and wondering what would be done if I went to the ER now and not wait until Monday.  
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1093617 tn?1279302002
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Thank you for your question. Although without being able to examine you I can not offer you the specific advice on diagnosis and treatment that you need, but I would try to provide you some relevant information about your health concern.

CSF leak or spinal headache usually resolves within few days or week as many of the causes of leak go away on their own after a few days. Complete bed rest or blood patches for several days are usually recommended. Therefore, I do not foresee your continuous headache even after three years is due to CSF leak. Other possibilities like migrainous, cluster and tension type headache that may occur after an injury and need to be evaluated thoroughly with the help of a neurologist here. Migraine like headache can be throbbing, one sided of face & head and preceded by aura (starts with blurred vision). Cluster headache may appear as burning, explosive in nature and tear appears from eyes. Therefore, it will be best to consult a neurologist to find out the nature of headache in order to start the appropriate treatment. Hope this helps.

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Avatar universal
You should be going to the ER if you are still having the headaches.  I cannot say if you have a csf leak or not; suspicious though.  It might just be a nasty headache after that LP attempt.  

Never gave you discharge papers or instructions?  What kind of nonsense is that?  I think I would just deal with the ER vs the physician who didn't bother to give you any discharge instructions and/or follow up instructions.  

Keep us posted.
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