Lumbar Puncture

[Cath278]

Hi. I recently had a lumbar puncture for investigations in to B.I.H. The results was as follows;Opening pressure,46cm H2o (2xN), -35mls cst removed.
I think i understand that the normal pressure is 15? So, is a pressure of 46 very high?
Cath278

[Cath278]

Hi there. Sorry to hear about all your troubles. I will try and explain briefly what has been going on with me and see if there is any-thing relevant to you in it ok?
May07- I wear glasses,all my life,but in May noticed that something was not right. After several eye tests and getting no further along, let it be for awhile.
Oct 07- Woke up with the worst headache I ever had.( suffer from migraine but knew it was nt one) It was all on the left side of my head, near the temple area. My eyes were very painful and blurry. Back and forth to dr for 3 weeks. Said it was migraine. I got mad and demanded he to a test for ESR levels.(had been looking stuff up on medhelp!) It was high,56, it should only be 10.Sent to hospital for a few days ,tests done.Result, Migraine! went back to dr and demanded to see another dr. Did it .Result? Temporal Arteritis or Giant Cell. On steroids, high doses since then. But eyes not getting better. Finally got an app with ophthalmologist and neurologist.Spent two and a half weeks in hospital. Every  test done. Result? Idiopathic Intercranial Hypertention, SEnsory neuropathy, folic deficiency and still think I have T.A.
Reason that they have given me for all this? I have Psoriasis. And bad luck!
My MRI with and with out contrast was clear. My eye exam showed up Papilloedema on the optic nerve and disks.(swollen)
I should have had more relief from LP but it only lasted 18 hrs. I was made to lie down for  4hrs after the LP and only had a headache for an hr plus nausea.
Im not on any new meds yet.meeting the neuro in two weeks. I am very anaemic still so Im reasting. So, Im still wondereing where the headache is coming from and if my eye sight is safe.
I hope this has been of some small help. I know its about me but maybe you might find something in it. My memory is pretty lousy at the moment so I just do the best i can. Please feel free to get in touch if I can help you with any think.
One word of advice......Dont let the drs talk down to you or around you. Its your pain .Make them listen! I wont apoligise for trying to look after myself. The best of luck to you,Cath278

[medchick0523]

I'm on my way to take my finals, but I just wanted to say, ask all the questions you want!! I'll finish replying when I get back home :)

[TKRTX]

Hello from CATH from TEXAS.

   I am not sure what your condition is, but am interested in it as well. I just had an lumber puncture as well on 7/15/08. My neurologist is looking for MS or drug induced LUPUS.

  I am still haveing head aches from the puncture and taking all my meds and drinking coffee like a mad women etc. I pray everyday that they get better in time.

  Please explain to me what B. IH IS? Did they do an MRI to detect it or lab work etc?

  Curious in TEXAS.

   My prayers ae with you. :)

TONYA

[Cath278]

Hi Samantha and thank you very much for replying. I was diagnoised two weeks ago and im still coming to terms with it. I have been treated for another illness since Oct 07 and Im in just abit of a mess for the moment Ask me anything about Temporal Arteritis and I know it! Im quick to pick things up.  Just one more question, How do you get a dr to answer you in the Neurology Fofum? Ive posted several times and no reply. Mind you, dont really need them with you there! Thanks again and hope you dont mind if I put a few questions your way. Best wishes,Cath278.

[medchick0523]

I believe "normal" is considered somewhere between 12-20cm. I know most gauges in the US only read to 50cm. Momentarily 46cm isn't dangerous, but over an extended period of time I can't imagine is safe. I have IIH (or BIH), my pressure typically stays right around 32cm. I had an ICP monitor and had fluctuations into the 50s and my doctor wasn't too concerned. I sure hope you felt better after your OP was brought down a bit!

Take Care,

Samantha