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Headaches after subarachnoid hemorrhage, possible nerve palsy
About 6 years ago, I had all the symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhage, at age 21. I researched, and found it was unlikely I was having a stroke since my young age, but nonetheless all the symptoms were there. I went into the mergency room severeal days later, complaining of stroke/heart attack symptoms (sicne my heart was being effected also), and all they told me was that I wasn't having a heart attack from ECG, and I they took CAT scan and everything 'checked out' there with brain tumors ext...
But I defentiely had decreased consciosness, tingling/numbness, and well as sudden severe/debilitating headache, blurred vision especially on my right side, and I Had a fever for a few days also immediately after this happened. From everything that happened, I am pretty sure NOW that I did have this hemmorhage 6 years ago, even though I was young, I did not go immediately to the emergency room when it happened, the sudden headache, since I just laid down and passed out kinda, and was out for a day or two, its hard to remember. It just wasn't even in my vocabulary to think it was a stroke, its not something a 21 yr old thinks abuot, so I just 'laid' it out.
SINCE THAT TIME, I have had an immediate and persistent headache, on both sides of my head, into my neck and sholders, to the front of my face, and throughout my head. I got reccomended to a nuerologist through KAiser (my HMO), and he though it might be trigeminal nueralgia, something I had never heard of. Anyways, tegretol had no effect of me, other than making it hard for me to even walk in a strait line. (continued)
But I defentiely had decreased consciosness, tingling/numbness, and well as sudden severe/debilitating headache, blurred vision especially on my right side, and I Had a fever for a few days also immediately after this happened. From everything that happened, I am pretty sure NOW that I did have this hemmorhage 6 years ago, even though I was young, I did not go immediately to the emergency room when it happened, the sudden headache, since I just laid down and passed out kinda, and was out for a day or two, its hard to remember. It just wasn't even in my vocabulary to think it was a stroke, its not something a 21 yr old thinks abuot, so I just 'laid' it out.
SINCE THAT TIME, I have had an immediate and persistent headache, on both sides of my head, into my neck and sholders, to the front of my face, and throughout my head. I got reccomended to a nuerologist through KAiser (my HMO), and he though it might be trigeminal nueralgia, something I had never heard of. Anyways, tegretol had no effect of me, other than making it hard for me to even walk in a strait line. (continued)
Well I have to say thankyou for sharing your experiences with me I had an SAH approx 6 weeks ago and have been scared to death ever since, everytime I have a twinge,the headaches are still awful,but everytime that "icepick" feeling comes on I'm scared it'll happen again.I've wondered now if I'll have these headaches for the rest of my life,If my memory will correct itself,etc,etc. Your posts have helped and I appreciate it.
hi,i just wanted to say i totally understand everything all of you have and are going through. My self just had a SAH on may 26th, 2010 at 7 am, my started with a bad neck pain (like there was a volcano inside my neck) then the that burst then it went in my head and that volcanoe burst also. I thought then and there i was a goner, got to er then lifeflighted me to iowa methodist in des moines, ia, stayed there for 8 days, had the headaches and the walking wasn't the best!!!!! But the walking is better the thing that is killing me is the Headaches, i am on perceset, which makes them ok. I am also have alot of hot and cold flashes, my memorie is slowly getting a little better, i forgot my age is 40 male, in great health, low blood pressure and very slim. but i just wanted to say hi and will all you the best, thanks chris
There are some very lucky people writing here, best wishes to all of you for full recovery.
I had a Sub Arachnoid Hemorrhage in October 2008, while at work. It was, as they say, the worst headache I've ever encountered. I knew immediately that something was wrong, and I thought I was going to die there and then in the corridor.
Headaches generally (in my experience) come on gradually, but not this one. This was like marshmallows exploding in my head, I actually ducked down grabbing my head as if someone had hit me. I made it to the canteen, where I was lucky to be found by a couple of colleagues who called the first aid, who then called an ambulance. Lucky for me I work right beside a hospital in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Ulster Hospital. They scanned me and saw a burst aneurysm. I was immediately transferred to The Royal Victoria Hospital where I underwent surgery to have coils fitted to the aneurysm.
During my time in hospital (3 weeks) I also had a stroke, some people think this is the same thing, it is not, but is a common after effect of SAH apparently. I couldn't speak, or understand what people were saying to me. I couldn't remember my two wee girls names. Blood also contaminated the spinal fluid and I could only walk assisted. I couldn't bear to have light anywhere near me, I just couldn't open my eyes when it was bright.
I'm still recovering now, 7 months on, but continue having headaches, almost daily. These are like the brain spasms (caused by the blood contaminating the brain tissue) that I suffered during those first few weeks and normal headaches. Even now as I write this I feel the odd sharp pain in the left side of my brain. I have been told that these may continue for life and I am getting used to them.
Speech is back to normal pretty much apart from the odd stutter and word muddling. I do however feel nowhere near as competent as I was before the hemorrhage. I just feel stupid. Short attention span, and memory is so rubbish that I need to write important things down. I have a much shorter temper which I am really trying to deal with although this is probably more to do with frustration rather than any physical brain damage. I go to see my specialist, a real gentleman and life saver, Mr Gray from RVH Belfast, in June to find out whether I will be allowed back to work (and driving) or if some more time will be needed off.
I feel incredibly, and I mean INCREDIBLY lucky to be alive and in such a good state considering.
But I still feel like I'm at the start of my recovery. I feel I have a long way to go before I am back to normal (whatever that is ;-) ). The people around me are very kind and make allowances for their 'brain damaged' friend for which I am also very grateful. I really need to get back to work, especially for financial reasons, but just can't face it and that is not typical of me. Prior to the hemorrhage I was working 3 jobs, not 1, as well as working on the house and trying my best to entertain and raise my 2 girls...And yet at the same time I feel embarrassed for being out of work for so long. However, I have been told that it could take up to 2 years for my brain to start operating the way it did previous to the SAH.
I will continue to have the periodic MRI scans to ensure all is well, and to check that the aneurysm is not growing back.
Good luck to you all, and God Bless.
I had a Sub Arachnoid Hemorrhage in October 2008, while at work. It was, as they say, the worst headache I've ever encountered. I knew immediately that something was wrong, and I thought I was going to die there and then in the corridor.
Headaches generally (in my experience) come on gradually, but not this one. This was like marshmallows exploding in my head, I actually ducked down grabbing my head as if someone had hit me. I made it to the canteen, where I was lucky to be found by a couple of colleagues who called the first aid, who then called an ambulance. Lucky for me I work right beside a hospital in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Ulster Hospital. They scanned me and saw a burst aneurysm. I was immediately transferred to The Royal Victoria Hospital where I underwent surgery to have coils fitted to the aneurysm.
During my time in hospital (3 weeks) I also had a stroke, some people think this is the same thing, it is not, but is a common after effect of SAH apparently. I couldn't speak, or understand what people were saying to me. I couldn't remember my two wee girls names. Blood also contaminated the spinal fluid and I could only walk assisted. I couldn't bear to have light anywhere near me, I just couldn't open my eyes when it was bright.
I'm still recovering now, 7 months on, but continue having headaches, almost daily. These are like the brain spasms (caused by the blood contaminating the brain tissue) that I suffered during those first few weeks and normal headaches. Even now as I write this I feel the odd sharp pain in the left side of my brain. I have been told that these may continue for life and I am getting used to them.
Speech is back to normal pretty much apart from the odd stutter and word muddling. I do however feel nowhere near as competent as I was before the hemorrhage. I just feel stupid. Short attention span, and memory is so rubbish that I need to write important things down. I have a much shorter temper which I am really trying to deal with although this is probably more to do with frustration rather than any physical brain damage. I go to see my specialist, a real gentleman and life saver, Mr Gray from RVH Belfast, in June to find out whether I will be allowed back to work (and driving) or if some more time will be needed off.
I feel incredibly, and I mean INCREDIBLY lucky to be alive and in such a good state considering.
But I still feel like I'm at the start of my recovery. I feel I have a long way to go before I am back to normal (whatever that is ;-) ). The people around me are very kind and make allowances for their 'brain damaged' friend for which I am also very grateful. I really need to get back to work, especially for financial reasons, but just can't face it and that is not typical of me. Prior to the hemorrhage I was working 3 jobs, not 1, as well as working on the house and trying my best to entertain and raise my 2 girls...And yet at the same time I feel embarrassed for being out of work for so long. However, I have been told that it could take up to 2 years for my brain to start operating the way it did previous to the SAH.
I will continue to have the periodic MRI scans to ensure all is well, and to check that the aneurysm is not growing back.
Good luck to you all, and God Bless.
Almost a year ago, I developed a very mild, tension type headache whilst traveling. I also felt slightly stiff in the neck and shoulders with some pain. After we arrived at our destination, the headache got stronger and I felt ill in the stomach. I decided to drive home thinking I just needed rest as had been doing some strenuous physical work during the days prior. As I headed home, I got a severe headache and had to pull over and call for colleagues who came and took me to a clinic, and from there I was sent to the hospital for a CT Scan. I was fully coherent, and had no defects but the next day I was told I had suffered what appeared to be a subarachnoid hemorrhage. I felt fine from then on, but was kept in hospital for over a week of observation and put on the Nimodopine treatment and other meds. Three Ct Angio grams were done in all and all were negative although there was the possibility of a small arteriovenous malformation. I was released to return after a month for follow up. I obtained a second opinion from a top local neurosurgeon who sent me to the US to see one of the best Neurosurgeons at Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. They did MRIs of the head, neck and spine, which were normal, then a catheter Angiogram. They thought there was also the possibility of a small AVM, but another more defined MRI ruled it out and I was cleared to resume all normal activities.
For me to resume my work, I need to repeat an MRI or some sort of scan after one year, and even so, this is a good idea to make sure that all remains normal and nothing was missed. I shall be checking myself out and repeating the scans soon and of course, watching what I put into my body.
For me to resume my work, I need to repeat an MRI or some sort of scan after one year, and even so, this is a good idea to make sure that all remains normal and nothing was missed. I shall be checking myself out and repeating the scans soon and of course, watching what I put into my body.
On Dec 18 I was standing in my kitchen about to leave for work mid-morning when a sudden killer headache hit. I became nauseated and had a stiff neck and knew something was wrong. My doc told me to get to nearest ER but I was sent home after a neg CT scan and told I had a migraine - even though I had no history of migraines. Next day, killer headache was still there I went to doc and he sent me to get a lumbar puncture - I was bleeding in the brain, subarachnoid hemorrhage. I was in ICU 6 days and 2 days in reg hosp room - got out day after Christmas. They found no aneurysms, AVMs or tumors (I am a breast cancer survivor) but two small strokes showed up on MRI - no real damage but they think it could have happened during first angiogram, I was diagnosed with SAH - Second angiogram, a week later came out clean. But no one ever pinpointed cause. Now I switched to a top doc at Jefferson Hospital in Phila and he wants to do a third angiogram. I am skittish because I had a terrible allergic recation to contrast dye...The new doc took me out of work and said it takes 6-8 weeks for site to heal. Headaches almost gone but do sometimes appear sharp sudden and go away right away - is this normal? I feel like I am walking around with a grenade in my brain.
Recently I experienced a SAH and I have no ill effects now other than a slight headache that is disappearing slowly day by day. I want to ask any of you that have gone through this experience if they are drinking diet colas of any brand on a regular basis? The reason for asking is I've been researching about this condition and have come across a lot of info dealing with Aspartame, Nutrisweet, MSG and other excitotoxins found in our food.
I've been reading Dr Blaylock's book on excitotoxins and found a lot of the info and symptoms related to Aspartame etc. are ones I was experiencing up to this event in my life.
It seems that a lot of neurological disorders can be linked to Aspartame etc. I find it frightening that we are ingesting this **** on a daily basis and ticked off at the effect it may have had on my health. Fortunately at this time I'm fine but, if ingesting this had something to do with my condition then avoiding anything with MSG, Aspartame etc. is paramount to my good health and it wouldn't hurt if any of you on this forum to look into the info on excitotoxins.
Anyway, thanks for reading this.
I've been reading Dr Blaylock's book on excitotoxins and found a lot of the info and symptoms related to Aspartame etc. are ones I was experiencing up to this event in my life.
It seems that a lot of neurological disorders can be linked to Aspartame etc. I find it frightening that we are ingesting this **** on a daily basis and ticked off at the effect it may have had on my health. Fortunately at this time I'm fine but, if ingesting this had something to do with my condition then avoiding anything with MSG, Aspartame etc. is paramount to my good health and it wouldn't hurt if any of you on this forum to look into the info on excitotoxins.
Anyway, thanks for reading this.
Three years ago I also suffered from a subarachnoid hemorrhage at the age of 24. This happened while taking supplements and working out. I had felt a pop/snap in the back of my head, which did not bring pain immediately. As soon as I hopped on the treadmill and brought my heart beat up I then began to feel the pounding sensation in the back of my head and my vision began to fizzle out. After a day and a half of wondering what the heck was going on, I finally went to the ER and had a CT scan done. They noticed a small bleed that had "splattered" in the back quadrant of my brain. I spent 2 days in the ICU, went under multiple exams/images (angiogram, MRI, more CT's), and was on an intense coctail of medication. After being released, I suffered with the same headache, which moved from the back towards the front of my head, for about 3 weeks. Since the pain went away I have not suffered any long term effects. I do have somewhat anxiety that I didn't have in the past (especially when going to the doc.), but no frequent head aches, depression, irratability. I consider myself extremely lucky to have come out as good as I did. I required no brain surgery at all and no brain damage either. It was more of a learning experience to watch what I put into my body.
Back in Oct. 2006, I experienced the worst headache ever. It felt as tho somebody was driving nails into my skull. I laid down in an effort to alleviate the pain, not thinking that this condition was serious at 52 years of age and in good health. After about 8 hours of rest, I woke up feeling much better. I even went outdoors to do some yard work, but suddenly the headache reappeared as painful as ever. I went back indoors and began vomiting. At this point, I knew I was in immediate danger and called my brother to take me to the hospital. He said he'd dial 911, apparently worried for my life. Thank God he made that decision because while talking to him, I went into a coma. I woke up 5 days later surrounded by family and friends. Apparently, I had suffered an Intracranial Hemorrhage and the surgeon had to cut open a portion of my skull to relieve the blood pressure. It appeared that I had damaging effects....slurred speech and left side paralysis, but miracously, I overcame the odds. Today I suffer slight right side peripheral vision loss and short term memory. These continually improve in time, but even if they don't, I feel fortunate to be alive in my current condition. I learned, at the slightest headache to take action right away. Dial 911 preferably on your landline phone so they can trace your home address should you pass out. Leave your front door open so they can enter your home immediately. Have your medical insurance or doctor's name, family names, identification etc. in your wallet for emergency contact. This applies to any medical emergency situation. DIAL 911, I can't stress how too many people call a relative or friend, first. Time is of essence, here and 911 has life saving medics and equipment upon immediate arrival to your location!
I had a sub arachnoid hemorrhage 11 weeks ago. I went to the hospital after 24 hours. I did not know what was wrong with me and I thought I was really sick with a terrible head pain and neck pain and then I felt sick and went to bed and passed out for 4 hours. Then, I layed around and fell in a out of sleep with no rest from the pain. In the morning, I sent to the Dr., who sent me to Emergency at the hospital. They did a spinal tap and a ct scan. The spinal had blood in it and they rushed me to Mpls. where the neruosurgeons were waiting. They did an angiogram and a 2 hr. MRI and located the small vein that bled. I did not need any meds and am healing on my own.
I slept for about 2 days when I came home and could not walk very well. I took percacet for three days and the headache stopped. Everyday I knew I was getting better.
I recently had my family over for a Thanksgiving Dinner and then took another son and family out to dinner the next day. My head hurts and I am wondering if this occurs for the rest if they have too much excitement or overdo. My husband thinks I did too much and I need to rest.
I am impatient with this process, but I realize it may take longer than I thought. Please let me know what you are experiencing. My head has been hurting lately and I live on Extra Strength Tylenol and Advil.
I slept for about 2 days when I came home and could not walk very well. I took percacet for three days and the headache stopped. Everyday I knew I was getting better.
I recently had my family over for a Thanksgiving Dinner and then took another son and family out to dinner the next day. My head hurts and I am wondering if this occurs for the rest if they have too much excitement or overdo. My husband thinks I did too much and I need to rest.
I am impatient with this process, but I realize it may take longer than I thought. Please let me know what you are experiencing. My head has been hurting lately and I live on Extra Strength Tylenol and Advil.
:( i dont think i have much option with KAiser and plus its gunna end up costing me a lot, which is oK< but i feel like i am getting bounced around, so my appointments are like a 'see you in 2 months' trip, which in this case is not so good.
I need to learn to communicate with my nuero ...
I need to learn to communicate with my nuero ...
You must get another opinion from a neurologist. I had a similar experience with my first one. She said it was in my head. The second opinion said all the problems I have now are from my migrains some I have without having a headach. Call some and ask if they specialize in what you problem is. Don't give up I am going to a third one this week. I want to get well.
(continued), so, the nuero did a MRI, and came up with nothing, and on my last visit he was just confused about my persistent headaches (for 6 years now, I first went to him several months after they initially started), and basically he was stumped, and said I should take an HIV test. Well I know theres no way I have HIV, but my problem is, I sitll have this headaches all the time. I started researching a few weeks ago, and I came to the conclusion that 1) I did have subarachnoid hemorrhage back 6 years ago, and 2) I read that its possible that cranial nerves can be damaged in this occurence, and possible leave headaches.
So, I suspect my constant headaches are result from nerve damage in the brain stem that effected cranial nerves (nerve palsy).
ANYWAYS, my question is, 1) is there anything that can treat/cure damaged nerves such as a case like mine? Nothing I read about mentioned any cure/treatment, I do not consider pain killers or anti-D's a treatment 2) how should I go about to my nuero explaining my 'stroke' I think I have, but the ER when I went in, coudln't explain what happened 6 years ago? I also read that in cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage, correct diag can be made from lumbar tap, and MRA, neither of which I ever received.
My life is pretty limited recently, this constant headache for 6 years now limits what I can do, also my vision in right eye seems to be hard to focus, and weird.
OK, thanks any answers appreciated!
So, I suspect my constant headaches are result from nerve damage in the brain stem that effected cranial nerves (nerve palsy).
ANYWAYS, my question is, 1) is there anything that can treat/cure damaged nerves such as a case like mine? Nothing I read about mentioned any cure/treatment, I do not consider pain killers or anti-D's a treatment 2) how should I go about to my nuero explaining my 'stroke' I think I have, but the ER when I went in, coudln't explain what happened 6 years ago? I also read that in cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage, correct diag can be made from lumbar tap, and MRA, neither of which I ever received.
My life is pretty limited recently, this constant headache for 6 years now limits what I can do, also my vision in right eye seems to be hard to focus, and weird.
OK, thanks any answers appreciated!
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