Head Pressure After CSF Drain

[TammyFaye]

10/22/07 I had a micro-discectomy at L5-S1 for sciatica.  2.5 weeks later I was having lots of drainage and went in and was told I had a CSF leak and was put in the hospital.  Never got a head ache.  They stitched up my original back surgery incision site (used durabond originally) and put in a CSF drain for 5 days.  On the 6th day they removed the drain and did a blood patch at the drain site (L3-L4 was what I heard).  They kept me for 4 more days and I had some drainage during those final 4 days and it seemed to increase with activity.  Was released to go home.  I continue to have pressure in my head and tingling at times.  Hard to describe like a euphoric feeling and at times certainly pressure.  Have never really had headaches but I guess the pressure could be a slight headache.  Also have a good threshold for pain.  Some days are better than others.  I check my temperature regulary and other than an occassional 99 degrees, it stays normal.

Can this be a side effect of the CSF drain?  Have you had a patient experience this after this type of procedure?  And how long will it or can it continue before I should be concerned?

[TammyFaye]

3 months later and still having pressure in my head.  Doctor says it could take up to 6 months for this to pass.  Does that sound right for a post CSF drain?

[noops01]

Hi,

Most likely the headache that you are experiencing is due to CSF drain. But i would advise to watch out for fever, if the fever goes beyond 101 degrees it indicates infection.Please contact your doctor immediately if your headache and fever persists.Good luck!