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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Persistent headache right side, MRI completed with air bubbles?
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
Persistent headache right side, MRI completed with air bubbles?
by bookgal, Mar 28, 2007 12:00AM
I have had a persistent headache on the right side of my head for about 3-4 months. It is a headache that goes from the right side of my neck all the way up to my right temple, and that is where it hurts the most. Along with the headache is shadowy vision in my right eye. I had an MRI done and they said that they didn't find anything, but the radiologist asked my doctor if I had a lumbar puncture done, as there were air bubbles in one of the veins. My doctor told them no and then told me that what they saw as air bubbles could be anything. The headaches have not stopped with reduced stress, better eating habits, more water etc. I am also tired all of the time and have now began to have hot flashes. I am only 26 so I was wondering if the hot flashes could be related in some way and if so, how? And do I need to be concerned? What could this be?
Thank you
Thank you
Doctor's Answer
by Forum-M.D.-SH, Apr 17, 2007 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
The symptoms and story that you describe is concerning, but is not specific for any single disease. Some patients will have a sponataneous CSF leak either at a cervical root, in the nasal sinuses, along the cribiform plate(inside the nose), at the level of the ear, etc., which can lead to the introduciton of air bubbles. These air bubbles can cause pain, and more rarely focal neurologic problems (vision problems, weakness, numbness/tingling). As you mentioned these air bubbles are also a common finding after the dural (brain covering) has been opened/breeched, such as lumbar punctures, epidurals, spine surgery/brain surgery. I cannot correlate you 'hot flashes' with your current symptoms, unless they are related to stress. I would suggest that you have a special MRI with Cine flow study (allows the following of CSF flow) to look for a CSF leak. Another method is the CT myelogram or even a coventional myelogram may be used. All of the methods look for CSF leak. If the leak is found, it can often be repaired by injecting blood into the CSF space (called a blood patch). I would also suggest a MRI of your neck with fat saturation (a protocol that allows them to look for dissection). I would also suggest that you have an ophthamologist look into your eyes for a dilated eye exam and to test formal visual fields. This will reveal any concerning papiledema, signs of uveitis, or loss of visual fields that may suggest embolic disease.
I hope this has been helpful.
The symptoms and story that you describe is concerning, but is not specific for any single disease. Some patients will have a sponataneous CSF leak either at a cervical root, in the nasal sinuses, along the cribiform plate(inside the nose), at the level of the ear, etc., which can lead to the introduciton of air bubbles. These air bubbles can cause pain, and more rarely focal neurologic problems (vision problems, weakness, numbness/tingling). As you mentioned these air bubbles are also a common finding after the dural (brain covering) has been opened/breeched, such as lumbar punctures, epidurals, spine surgery/brain surgery. I cannot correlate you 'hot flashes' with your current symptoms, unless they are related to stress. I would suggest that you have a special MRI with Cine flow study (allows the following of CSF flow) to look for a CSF leak. Another method is the CT myelogram or even a coventional myelogram may be used. All of the methods look for CSF leak. If the leak is found, it can often be repaired by injecting blood into the CSF space (called a blood patch). I would also suggest a MRI of your neck with fat saturation (a protocol that allows them to look for dissection). I would also suggest that you have an ophthamologist look into your eyes for a dilated eye exam and to test formal visual fields. This will reveal any concerning papiledema, signs of uveitis, or loss of visual fields that may suggest embolic disease.
I hope this has been helpful.
Member Comments (2)
by Keela, Apr 08, 2007 12:00AM
hey book gal...I have 'similar' symptoms...I have had constant head pressure on my right side of my head right above my ear/close to my temple...I recently had fluid built up in my ear, but even after I got that taken care of, I still have the pressure...2 days ago, the doctor put a tube in my ear and punctured a hole in my ear tube to see if this will help...I to am only 26 and this has my energy level down alot as well.........hope someone has the answer!
