Elevated d-dimer test-Eye pain/headache-Recent surgery

[dmbe70]

I have had pain behind my eyes (with movement, feels very muscular) for the past year or so.  So bad, that I have a headache every single day and am just in constant pain.  I have been to the opthamologist who sent me to a neurologist.  I have recently had 3 cervical fusions for degeneration in my spine (unrelated to this, I think).  The blood work shows an elevated D-dimer test of 283.  Now they want to do a MRI/MRA of my head to make sure there is no clot near my eyes.  Is this seriously necessary?  Is 283 that high???  And I had my last surgery in April (so 6 months ago), could it be slightly elevated just because of the surgery being so recent?
I'm only 39 years old, very thin, active, otherwise healthy.  Not sure what is going on, but concerned now about this D-dimer thing.  Any thoughts??
Side note-has anyone ever heard of a Cervicogenic Headache?

Thanks!
...Danielle

[angelinamarina]

i have similar symptoms....bad migraine headaches...and a positive d-dimer.  What ever happened?  Did you get a dx?
Thanks
Angi

[SassyLassie]

Usually an eleveated D-Dimer means you have a clot somewhere, it does not say where, but it is a signal to the doctor that you could have one.

I found this doing a google search:
What does the test result mean?


"A positive D-dimer indicates the presence of an abnormally high level of fibrin degradation products in your body. It tells your doctor that there has been significant clot (thrombus) formation and breakdown in the body, but it does not tell the location or cause. An elevated  D-dimer may be due to a VTE or DIC but it may also be due to a recent surgery, trauma, or infection. Elevated levels are also seen with liver disease, pregnancy, eclampsia, heart disease, and some cancers."

In answer to your question regarding the recent surgery, yes, it could be due to that.

Hope this helps.
Susie