HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Ear Pressure And Headache Post A Spinal Tap?

default
Posted on Wed, 3 May 2017
Question: had spinal tap on the 24th of march 2 days later i had a blood patch that didn't take.. the 30th being admitted into hospital was given 2nd blood patch.. headache went away instantly.. today is a week. ears have pressure, head pressure forehead n behind the eyes.. my throat is Alittle stratchy too.. I went to regular gp.. n he said there's nothing there. but while in the hospital they found a large retention cyst on my sinus.. I have been dizzy n nauseous too. can this be a complication of blood patch? im getting really nervous.. could something be going on in my brain?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Complication of blood patch seems unlikely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HealthcareMagic.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Since one week passed from second epidural blood patch and you didn't experience any fever neither, possible rare complications of blood patch such failure and meningitis are very unlikely.

Retention cyst found into sinuses doesn't cause symptoms such yours.

Symptoms you describe may be explained by conditions such changes of cerebrospinal fluid pressure as it stabilizes from recent changes, anxiety and stress disorder.

Since you refer about scratchy throat besides other symptoms, common viral infections should be considered too.

I don't think that something is going on or damaging your brain.

Staying well hydrated, active, and using symptomatic treatment (Paracetamol for headaches for example ) should improve your condition.

Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards.



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (14 minutes later)
im extremely scared something is happening to my brain.. I never had these symptoms prior to the blood patch. that's what's concerning.. there's no bleeding that could be on occuring to my brain? im so scared of these symptoms
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Symptoms don't point towards brain bleeding.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Symptoms you describe, and your current condition, don't point towards any brain bleeding.

Since you are concerned more than necessary and this situation is causing enormous stress, you can get an evaluation by your Neurologist in order to exclude with more certainty any brain damage.

You can discuss brain imaging also, this way you can calm yourself.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)
I just wanna make sure whatever is going on has nothing to do with the blood patch.. or anything like that
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Further medical evaluation is necessary to be sure.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

I agree too that you need to be reassured about your condition, the best way to achieve this is to be evaluated by a Neurologist and by imaging studies such brain and spinal cord MRI.

Hope I helped you so far.

Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (41 minutes later)
the neurologist cleared me n said this has nothing to do with ur brain or any diseases.. I was checked for everything during spinal tap.. n had a mri of the brain before 2nd blood patch n was normal.. I went to er today n said it was a sinus infection but I have no nasal congestion.. they gave me antibotics n nasal spray.. what is the worst complications from blood patch with my symptoms? is there any
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possible complications listed below.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Possible complications of epidural blood patch include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or no relief from your headache.

As we discussed before, your symptoms are not typical for any of these possible complications.

A viral, or a sinus infection instead may justify your symptoms.

I think you should go on with the current treatment for few days and not to worry much more than necessary.

Hope this helps.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4502 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Ear Pressure And Headache Post A Spinal Tap?

Brief Answer: Complication of blood patch seems unlikely. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HealthcareMagic. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Since one week passed from second epidural blood patch and you didn't experience any fever neither, possible rare complications of blood patch such failure and meningitis are very unlikely. Retention cyst found into sinuses doesn't cause symptoms such yours. Symptoms you describe may be explained by conditions such changes of cerebrospinal fluid pressure as it stabilizes from recent changes, anxiety and stress disorder. Since you refer about scratchy throat besides other symptoms, common viral infections should be considered too. I don't think that something is going on or damaging your brain. Staying well hydrated, active, and using symptomatic treatment (Paracetamol for headaches for example ) should improve your condition. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Kind regards.