hoping someone might be able to help. I’ve spent the last 12 days on a neurology ward and got discharged today. I presented with numbness down my left arm, left flank and tummy. Symptoms got progressively worse over a 6 week period- long story short I got lumbar puncture test 8 days ago but I’ve got desperate headaches since. Doctors put me on Iv drips and caffeine tablets but it’s not alleviating the pain in my head and neck… is this normal to have pain for so long after the test? Could anyone suggest anything I can try to help with the nausea pain- thank you
Hello Bronach12, it sounds like you’ve been having a rotten time of it.
I had a post lumber puncture headache that lasted for about 10 days, so can sympathise with you - they were long miserable days.
I lay flat on my back for just about the whole time, taking over-the-counter pain killers. I had been advised to drink plenty of fluids, especially coca-cola for the caffeine it contains, but I don’t get on with caffeine so drank mineral water with orange squash. I kept the blinds down and the lights low.
What a relief when, rather than a gradual recovery, I just woke up one morning and it was gone, with no lingering after effects.
Many on the forum call it ‘The headache from hell’ which seems a pretty good description.
If you have any concerns at all, I would suggest you talk to your doctor again.
If the headache last more than 10 days you could need a blood patch; especially if there’s a wet patch on the bed in the area of the spine after a nights sleep. See GP; http://www.rcoa.ac.uk/system/files/PI-HESA-COL-2012.pdf this is very rare