Thalamic Pain Syndrome + Nausea

[ConnieD1948]

I am 61 yr old lady,  I had an AVM resection in February 2008, deep brain.  The surgeon said the thalamus was "insulted" in the procedure.  All together, I had four surgeries in 2008 related to the original AVM resection.  Install a shunt in March, removal of shunt in August and cranioplasty to replace the bone flap in September.  In April 2008, about 60 days after the original AVM resection, I started experiencing debilitating headaches and nausea.  The cranioplasty allowed my head to adjust to atmospheric pressure and the horrible headache went away!  The nausea and "sick feeling" has been with me all along and it is really difficult to live with.  My family MD said I suffer from Thalamic Pain Syndrome resulting from the original surgery.  Medications help with the alodenia, phantom pains and restless leg syndrome.  Nothing seems to help with the overall malise "sick sick feeling".  Have other CPS patiens reported nausea as an issue?  It is like I am always sea sick or like I have food poisioning.  Extensive GI work shows that nothing is wrong with my GI system.  The sensations all come from brain injury at the thalamus resulting from the surgery.  Presently I take Lamictal, Lyrica, Gabapentin, Suboxone, and Doxepin.  Any ideas?  Any recommendations of clinics or doctors who specialize in treating this?  Thank you for any suggestions.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Connie,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am so sorry to hear about your chronic pain, surgeries and related issues that you have had to endure the last few years.

The thalamus has been described as the brain’s sensory relay station. Any disruption of it can cause multiple issues. I would think that this could include the nausea and malaise that you are experiencing. However I would not rule out the possibility that it could be related to or at least exacerbate by your current medications.

My step-father had to have a shut following a skull fracture. He frequently complained of nausea and just not feeling well. This did subside as the years passed but he had days that it would return.

I too am sorry that I do not have better suggestions for you. I assume you have discussed this with your physicians. If not please do and if you have keep bringing it up. They may be able to get to the root of the problem.

Best of luck to you. I hope you will soon be feeling better. When ever you have to have this type of procedure performed there are often unforeseen or unexplainable issues that follow. I will look forward to your updates.

Take Care,
Tuck  

[sandee1818]

I am so sorry to hear of all the pain you have endured and still have to deal with. I read a few articles on this and did not see where severe nausea or feeling ill was mentioned. It could be a side effect of your medications or even the thalamic Pain Syndrome causing it. Does your doctor say it is the syndrome it?
I wish I could be of more help. I hope you get to feeling better. Please keep us up to date and any questions you have we will do all we can to answer.
We are all here for you:)