When do spinal headaches go away

If you've recently had a spinal procedure and develop a headache that lasts 24 hours or longer, your doctor can help you determine the seriousness of your condition. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and to know what to expect from your doctor.

Preparing questions can help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For a spinal headache, questions you might ask include:.

All rights reserved. Terms of Use. Spinal headaches. Overview Spinal headaches are a fairly common complication in those who undergo a spinal tap lumbar puncture or spinal anesthesia. Symptoms Spinal headache symptoms include: Dull, throbbing pain that varies in intensity from mild to incapacitating Pain that typically gets worse when you sit up or stand and decreases or goes away when you lie down Spinal headaches are often accompanied by: Dizziness Ringing in the ears tinnitus Hearing loss Blurred or double vision Sensitivity to light photophobia Nausea and vomiting Neck pain or stiffness Seizures When to see a doctor Tell your doctor if you develop a headache after a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia — especially if the headache gets worse when you sit up or stand.

Causes Spinal headaches are caused by leakage of spinal fluid through a puncture hole in the tough membrane dura mater that surrounds the spinal cord. Spinal headaches typically appear within 48 hours after a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia. Risk factors Risk factors for spinal headaches include: Being between the ages of 18 and 30 Being female Being pregnant Having a history of chronic headaches Undergoing procedures involving the use of larger needles or multiple punctures in the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord Having a small body mass Diagnosis The doctor will ask questions about your headache and do a physical exam.

Treatment Treatment for spinal headaches begins conservatively. Preparing for an appointment If you've recently had a spinal procedure and develop a headache that lasts 24 hours or longer, your doctor can help you determine the seriousness of your condition. What you can do Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements you're taking.

Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Depending on your condition, you may need help getting to your appointment. And someone who accompanies you may remember information you miss or forget. A mild spinal headache can be relieved by self-care at home. A good first step is to lie down in a quiet, dark room until the headache is gone.

Your doctor may also suggest caffeine to relieve your headache. He or she may give you a prescription for caffeine tablets. Or your doctor may have you try drinks with caffeine, like coffee or espresso.

If your doctor agrees, you can take over-the-counter pain medicine. Be sure to follow the directions on the label. Don't forget to drink liquids to keep your body hydrated. Avoid drinks with alcohol.

They won't help your body stay hydrated. And they may make your headache worse. If your home treatment doesn't relieve the headache, talk to your doctor about getting treated with a blood patch. This procedure uses your own blood to help your headache. To apply a blood patch, your doctor takes blood from your arm and injects it into the area of your lower back where the leak happened.

The blood restores the pressure around your spinal cord. It also helps seal any leak that may still be there. Many people feel better right away, but it could take a day or two.

And a few people need to have a second blood patch. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. This procedure involves drawing blood from the patient and re-injecting it where the cerebrospinal fluid was originally taken from. The blood clothes clots where it is placed sealing the hole from which the fluid was leaking. This procedure is very effective and headache symptoms can resolve within an hour. Fortunately for most people, spinal headaches resolve themselves within 24 hours of occurrence.

If your symptoms persist or worsen over time, contact your doctor or seek emergency medical care. This rapid Covid PCR testing uses Resources Blog July Spinal Headaches.