spinal leakage and headaches

[fadingfast]

I suffer from chronic pain and on March 21st I had an intrarticular thorasic spinal injection in five sites with steroids to alleviate some of my spinal pain.  Three hours later I developed a spinal headache and was rushed to an emergency room.  From there I had 3 outpatient emergency visits, and two different hospital stays; one with medication and steroids to help keep my severe head pain at bay and to prevent any serious complications by reducing the inflamation (inflammation). I did have a blood patch performed approximately 9 days after the procedure and during my last hospital stay an MRI could not directly show where the site of the leak had occurred. I am still having symptoms, but the Dr.'s are treating me for migraines with no relief.  I feel much better laying down, I have to constantly wear dark glasses as the light pierces my eyes and is painful; my right eye seems to be blurry now and every day I am living with a headache that travels to all different parts of my brain, like little electrodes firing off at different points continually. The only time I do not have a headace is when I first wake up in the morning and the longest I have been without a headace is 3 hours.  I am currently on a migraine protocol with medication.  If I exert myself to any extent, I am washed out, dehydrated, weak and the headaches get worse.  Any stress or tension at all brings on a full blown migraine.  I am having difficulty focusing at work and at this point I feel as though I am literally surviving each day, not living each day.  Could I still have leakage that is going undetected?  Is there a way to measure any fluid leakage that is non-evasive?  This constant, constant pain is taking its toll.  I feel the Dr. is not very assertive and I believe he assumed that this would take care of itself and told me to check back with him in two months.  I think I need a second opinion as coming home from work each day and dragging myself off to bed is not how I intend to live my life.  Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.
FADINGFAST

[Quixotic1]

It sounds as though you are, indeed, still suffering from unstable pressure around your brain and spine froma continued leak.  Of course I cannot be sure of this online, but your symptoms and the character of the headache are classic.  You need to look for another neurologist or even seek the opinion of a neurosurgeon regarding this.  I do know that sometimes a repeat blood patch is necessary.  I suggest neurosurgery because they deal with spontaneous leaks and traumatic leaks and are more skilled in trying to determine the site of the leak.  

I would request another MRI to assure that nothing more ominous is going on.I know the horrible pain yu're going through, but mine, thankfully, healed over a six week period after the first patch.

You are going to have to be your own advocate here.  Good luck, Quix