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17568 tn?1424973559

Post Myelogram/Blood patch problems

I am a 43 year old female (previous C6/7 fusion and L2/3 disctemony).  On 4/20 I had a lumbar myelogram. On 4/22 I began a horrible headache when standing which significantly worsened and on 4/23 a lumbar bloodpatch was done.  The terrible headache and severe nauseau lessened however, since I have had a "weird" feeling in my head as if the pressure is not right.  At times I feel very dizzy and almost disoriented (none of which were present prior to the myelogram).  When I bend my head forward (chin to chest) I begin to feel as if I am going to passout.  Thinking clearly is sometimes difficult and requires a lot of concentration.  Finally, my entire body has an internal "numblike sensation."  It has been 2 weeks since the bloodpatch.  What might be going on?  Could I still be leaking CSF and is there a non-invasive way to determine that?  Finally, do I contact the anesthesiologist who did the bloodpatch or my neurosurgeon who ordered the myleogram and did my previous surgeries?  Thank you.
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, Post-Myelogram Headache, Dizziness... was started.
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Avatar universal
Concerning blood patches and CSF leaks: How long could a CSF leak continue without spontaneously correcting itself?  In a case like Cindy's, if a CSF leak were indeed the problem, what is the longest period of time she would be expected to have headaches from this?  Is there a possibility of leaks that never seal?
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Avatar universal
Dear Cindy:

Sorry to hear about your problem.  It might be that the blood patch did not work, I would call the anesthesiologist and let him/her know about your problem.  If you headache gets worse with arising from the lying or sitting position, then it might be the continuation of a spinal CSF leak.  Let him/her know your symptoms, especially if the headache worsens with postion changes.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD
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