LP headaches talking blood patch

[hunbun823]

I was told must have spinal tap to finalize diagnoses of possible MS.  I had it done on Monday, pain was so severe in my head went back to ER on Wednesday and given meds that they said sometimes cures this, it hasn't worked.  It is now Sunday and the radiologist who did the LP said to try and wait since it is a very invasive procedure.  First I want to know if it is a leakage could it possibly heal itself in time or is it absolutely necessary to have a blood patch, and how long would one wait?  I also had it done by a radiologist, would it have been better with an anesthesiologist and if so would you recommend that if I had to have blood patch who should do this?  
Thanks
Emily

[hunbun823]

I want to thank everyone who wrote to me about the blood patch.  After almost 2 weeks of severe headaches the radiologist did the blood patch.  I feel great, and yes it wasn't much different than the LP.  Thanks again

Emily

[rendean]

HI,
I had the blood patch done by an anesthesiologist and it was a piece of cake! Stopped the headache within an hour and was good to go.!

It's very similar to the LP. they take a vial of your own blood and inject it into the same area where you had the LP. Apparently it forms a clot thus stopping the leak (don't take that last sentence as the gospel truth but I think that's what they told me 4 years ago).

I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. My anesthesiologist used fluoroscopy for both the LP and the blood patch.

Ren

[addicted2harleys]

I agree with Lulu.  I have not had the headache, but even the doc who gave me my LP on Tuesday told me to go to ER for blood patch immediately if I was to get the headache.  

I, too, have seen so many posts on her for people that did get the blood patch.  They all found immediate relief and wished they had done it sooner.  

Yes, it will eventually heal itself without the patch, but you have to stay flat on your back and just wait it out.  I have heard this could take a couple of weeks.  

Sorrybyou are getting the headache,
Addi

[Lulu54]

Hi Emily and welcome.  I had no problems with my LP so I can't speak from personal experience.

That said, the people here who has had the blood patch done said the relief was almost always immediate and wish it had been done much sooner.  The anesthesologist would not do the LP - they administer pain control medication but don't do this procedure, normally.

From all I know, I would go and get this done today if possible.  I'm so sorry you are suffering with this - staying flat to avoid the headache is the only other cure until the leak eventually heals itself.  


When you feel better I hope you will come back and share more of your story with us - in the meantime focus on getting rid of that headache.  

be well, Lulu