Update to Quix and anyone else who read my previous headhache posts

[Sherrizim]

I saw the neurologist today, and he deduced that my persistent headache is due to aseptic meningitis.  Quix, you were right!

He suggested that it could be another month or so before I make a "full" recovery, but that my headache should be a thing of the past "by the end of the summer."

He said he cannot be 100 percent sure of his diagnosis without an LP, but didn't recommend it since my headache seemed to be slowly resolving.

If I develop new neurological symptoms or if my headache worsens for more than a day, he wants to know right away.  Otherwise, I am to check back in with him in a month.  If my headache lasts for several more months, he said he would consider other very unlikely possibilities.

He didn't want to try any medications like that typically used for migraines to reduce the incidence of headache, because if I developed new symptoms, he wouldn't be sure if they were a side effect of the medication or a new neurological symptom.

Thoughts?

[rnkgross]

I have been scrolling through topics and may have missed any additional information that you have posted. Aseptic Meningitis interests me. I have had a pain in my head for 2 years. Neurologists has done 2 MRI's and a CT. My Cisternogram was mysteriously cancelled when I was hospitalized for pain management and test. My medical records say possible csf leak but was never tested to be determined. Recently at a Neurology visit I asked her if I could have an infection in my brain refering to Menegitis. (I have an intermittant drip that has an awful odor. I had Rhinoplasty and the left side of my nose collapsed.) Upon awakening from surgery and each day since, my head is on fire. The neurologist said that if I had menegitis there is no way i'd be alive right now and she kind of poo pooped the thought. I have made contact with one other person who had a Rhinoplasty that went bad and she had meningitis for 8 months and they were shocked she was living. I also have tremendous pressure in my head. It is at it's worst at night, when I lay down or touch the back of my head the pain erupts and will often make me respond like I am ticking. Any help or ideas are appreciated.

[Sherrizim]

Your headache sounds awful.  I can't imagine suffering for 2 years with it.

I did post another update on my headache on 7/12.  You can find it here:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/100419. ; The doctor is no longer so sure about the aseptic meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis is a very serious condition, more serious than viral/aseptic meningitis.  Maybe that's what your doctor was thinking when she said you wouldn't be alive now if you had meningitis.  Do you know what type of meningitis it was that the other person you mentioned had for 8 months?  I also know that there are conditions where the headache or meningitis persists even after the infection is gone.

Are you saying that your headache started only after your Rhinoplasty?  Or changed, worsened, etc.  If that's the case, it would seem there is some sort of connection.  Also, is the drip you mentioned yellowish/greenish or clear?  I ask that question because CSF can drip from the nose and be mistaken for clear nasal secretions.  However, since you said it has an awful odor, I imagine it's not clear.  Have you been treated with an antibiotic for it?

Unfortunately, I am not a doctor nor very educated about headaches.  I've just read some stuff on the internet as I've tried to figure out what might be causing my headache.  What does your neurologist say about your headache?  Besides the 2 MRI's and CT, have any other tests been done?

In my searching, I found a document that classified every type of headache there is, both primary and secondary.  I'll take a look at it and see if there is anything about headache following rhinoplasty.  If I find anything, I'll write more.

S~

[patsy10]

I'm not a very good "I don't know "person.  I would have to do the spinal tap to find out what it is.  What if it's lyme or something that can be treated?

[Sherrizim]

Were you referring to my headache or to mkgross' headache when you said you would have to do the spinal tap?

I'm having an MRI with and without contrast tomorrow (my first MRI was without contrast only) and I'm scheduled for a spinal tap that I'll have if the MRI doesn't clear up the matter.  The doctor also ordered more blood work, including the lyme antibody.

S~

[patsy10]

Yes, I was referring to your headache.  If it's aseptic meningitis there has to be a cause.  Did I get confused?  I think you posted before that your doctor thought you had this but I could be wrong.  It sounds like your doctor is doing all the right things.

[Sherrizim]

No, you don't have anything confused.  I just wasn't sure if you meant my doctor should do a spinal tap or that rnkgross needed a spinal tap.

My neurologist is taking a more active approach to diagnosis and treatment than before.  I went back to him last week, and is inclination now is to think I've got a chronic migraine type thing going on.  (I do fit much of the criteria for "new daily persistent headache;" however, secondary causes of headache do need to be excluded.)  I should have shown improvement since the last time I saw him if it were aseptic meningitis, he said.  He expects the MRI and LP to be normal.  That may be the case, but I hope he isn't so convinced of migraine that he misses something that would suggest otherwise.  I posted an update about it on 7/12/07.

I just want relief from this headache!  The ear pressure is really driving me crazy lately.

[rnkgross]

I posted all of the details today 7/16/07 addressed to Quix. I'd LOVE to know what you have found regarding headaches. I'd really appreciate ANY help or direction.

[patsy10]

Headaches really are awful and totally unacceptable.  I have almost daily headaches as well, esp. in the am.  I hope they find a cause and treatment for yours.