Spon. CSF Leak-Headaches

[SpinalQuestions]

I had a spontanteous CSF leak from a tiny hole in my sphenoid. I realize this is extraordinary rare. The leak, unfortunately, led to bacterial meningitis. Fortunately, the leak could be repaired endoscopically. The problem is that I continued having headaches in the weeks after the meningitis and the surgery. Last weekend the headaches became intense, I developed a slight fever, and was hospitalized. During my hospitalization they performed an MRI and a Lumbar Puncture (my fourth in the the three months since I first fell ill), and both came back clear. Since the Lumbar Puncture I've experienced intense, severe pain that actually manages to rival the meningitis headache. It is excrutiating. This has been going on for five days now and I can't get in to see a neurologist until Monday afternoon. I'm out of my mind with questions. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[post viral kid]

Ask your doctor if there is a possibility that one of the lumbar punctures left you with a leak and low CSF pressure is what is causing the headaches.  I've had 8 LP's in 7 years, and just had my second spinal blood patch yesterday.  The first one really seemed to help my headaches for about 7 months.  I will know more about the 2nd one in 72 hours.  They do sometimes need to be repeated 2 0r 3 times.  Good luck - I had viral meningitis, and I know how excruciating these headaches can be.

[Barjo]

Has anybody advised you to drink lots of caffine.  When I assisted with taps we always told our patients that.