post meningitis headaches

[ace102938]

I got meningitis 4 yrs ago and suffer from chronic migraines. I have three migraines a week (down from five a week) and I ALWAYS have a headache that never seems to go way. My doctor from infectious disease explained nothing other than I had meningitis. I don't even know if it was viral or bacterial. So my question is why after so long do I still suffer from severe migraines/headaches? Will they ever go away? My pcp's answer to my question is prescribing topamax (spelling?) But I was trying o conceibe (am pregnant now) so i never took the pills. No pain meds seemed to work

[ace102938]

I had 5 lumbar puntures while giving birth to my oldest son. Two epidurals and three spinals...all failed to work due to my unknown spinal deformity lordosis. Three days after my c section I was ina come for over 12 hours. Doc said I got the spinal tap while in my coma but no bacteria was present. I thought no bacteria meant it wasn't bacterial meningitis but he wasn't sure why I was in a coma sense viral doesn't normally get that bad. I did have a picc line and anti biotics for 10 days just in case. I suffered from amnesia along with other brain damage so I don't remember much other than the doc from infectious desiese was more concerned about leaving than helping me. My then 1 week old was even tested for meningitis with a spinal tap. Medical malpractice is often a problem at the hospital I went to. Even four yrs later docs won't tell me anything other than try to shove pain pills down my throat. I'm a stay at home mom and that's why my pcp prescribed topomax...I guess side effects aren't as bad since I need to be completely alert while taking care of my two kids.

I really know nothing about all this stuff so i apologize if i sound ignorant. I'm just tired of the pain and would love answers.

And thank you. I'm currently only five weeks pregnant with my third.

[deadmemory]

That is strange that you don't know whether or not the meningitis was viral or bacterial. Did you have a lumbar puncture in the E.D.? Were you admitted into the hospital with antibiotics and IV fluids? Topamax is usually used to control seizures but I hear that they are also used for migraine. I have never taken the med myself but I did try gabapentin. It too is an anti seizure med used to control neurological pain. I suffer from Chiari malformation and other chronic pain issues. The med did not work for me and caused horrible side effects. Anyways, I too have had meningitis. Two years ago it was bacterial. I was in the hospital for about 5 days hooked up to an IV with constant antibiotics, fluids and pain meds. My CSF was cloudy and bloody. A year after that I got viral meningitis. I still had to be admitted in the hospital overnight (stayed two days) for blood tests to make sure there was no bacteria in my blood. Soon after that I got it again. I have had headaches before the meningitis, probably because of Chiari malformation. Have you had a lot of lumbar punctures? It can actually cause a tear in the dura of your spinal cord. I have had that happen to me. Talk about painful!!! If there is a slow leak in your dura I believe it can cause headache. I am not a doctor, but I am basing my opinions on experience. Hope this helps a little bit.

Congrats on your pregnancy!!

Krystal