Anyone else have this?

[Mommy2Boys]

I had a low volume blood patch in June 09 after which they tilted me, head down 180 degrees on the table. I immediately felt better, but I stayed down for a week. After 7 days, I woke up feeling euphoric. I could literally feel this tingling feeling in my sinuses and behind my eyes. The patch lasted for 3 weeks, and then the orthostatic headache returned. Two subsequent blood patches, where I was not tilted (one high volume), failed to work and caused chemical meningitis requiring hospitalization.

I saw Dr. S, but I opted to try conservative treatment until the 6 month mark. I was scared after chemical meningitis. Plus, he thought I had a good chance of healing spontaneously. My leak was not found at home, only zero opening pressure. I am now ready to pursue treatment again. My kids are 5 and 8, and I am missing out on a special part of their lives. I still get this weird, euphoric feeling when I lean my head back a certain way. After the firs blood patch, it was 24/7. Now, it's sporadic and positional. I sometimes have the feeling in the morning on waking, but it usually occurs when I am lying on my side about 45 degrees on pillow or if I lean my head back on pillows. I can even be almost upright, but need some sort of support. It's like a pressure feeling behind my eyes and cheeks, but it feels good.

What in the world is this weird feeling? Dr. S said he is not sure. Anyone else experience this?

Just to add... not on any drugs to cause this.... unless it's the fish oil.

[LeakyLaurainwv]

It has been a Long time since I have seen a positive test. I avoid doing them. However, the test for vertebral artery occlusion is cervical extension and combined rotation and lateral flexion. Once in this position, the clinician watches for dizziness and nystagmus. Like I said, it has been a while since I have tried it on a patient because it is a provocative test. I would have to look up details in my textbooks to give you any additional info. Not saying that is going on!!!! Just comes to mind.
Also to note, extension of the cervical spine can take pressure off the intervertebral disc space if there is a posterior derangement. Cervical extension positioning is one of my recommendations for an acute cervical disc herniation. Just brain storming. Good luck finding a REAL answer. Hope you have a good set of physicians to help problem solve. Hope you find the relief you so much deserve.
Laura

[Mommy2Boys]

I don't know... I've never had any dizziness or fainting when turning my neck. My main symptom is the orthostatic headaches. I'll look into it though. I had an MRA and MRV done which were normal??? My myelogram in the cervical area was also read as normal, no disc problems, etc... This is like a euphoric feeling that comes and goes in certain positions, and I experienced it after one of my blood patches for 3 weeks straight. TMI alert: It's like when you have to go to the bathroom really bad, and you finally are able to relieve yourself. There is a distinct feeling of pressure/ fullness behind your eyes and sinuses. Sorry for the weird question, but I'm really trying to figure out what on earth this is. That's #1 by the way, not #2. Sorry again for TMI.

[LeakyLaurainwv]

Good luck buddy. Hope you find an answer and some HA relief. My thoughts R with U. Good 2 hear from U. Hope those little boys R doing well!

[Mommy2Boys]

Thanks Laura,

At one time I looked into thoracic outlet syndrome (occlusion of the subclavian) since this condition inflicts swimmers. This mess started with my swimming. The symptoms just don't fit though. Thanks for the support. This condition i so absolutely ANNOYING!

[LeakyLaurainwv]

Annoying wouldn't be my word choice. Then again, four letter words are not appropriate on thus forum. LOL! Keep in touch and stay strong with Springer.

[Mommy2Boys]

I have a few choice words myself, inappropriate for the forums. Actually, I want to lock myself in a closet and have a complete screaming, blow-out hissy fit, but that would raise my intracranial pressure. Sooo... I'll continue life in the usual calm manner and mumble under my breath. Thanks for making me laugh... quietly.

[Blue skies]

Hi M2B

I am not sure whether your symptoms are similar to those of my husband or not, but, when his spinal leak is improved, he only gets symptoms (wooziness, then headache) when he flexes his neck forward - a looking down movement. He can be completely normal, even if upright, provided he doesn't look down. I've never heard him describe his 'normality' as euphoric, but her certainly feels well with a head up position compared with head down.

Doctors don't seem to be able to explain why he should be like that (it prevents him doing anything practical eg writing etc) but our latest (quack) theory is that he has some residual brain descent (either because he is still leaking or because his brain hasn't realised it's supposed to be higher up) and when he flexes his neck it compresses something in the lower part of the brain, causing the symptoms....Who knows, it's just an idea, and we haven't managed to find any better ones elsewhere!

Hope you find an explanation , and even better, relief of your symptoms soon.

B

[Mommy2Boys]

YES! Blue Skies... Now I'm not as well as your husband because I can not be completely upright, BUT I can stand up and lean my head 10 degrees back on a wall and feel fine. I can also attend my son's soccer game, sit in a chair, but I have to lean my head back against the chair 5-10 degrees. I can go to the park, but I have to lean my head on my hand while my elbow is on the park bench. Looking forward is a HUGE no no. While on my lap top, I have to use a blanket between my neck and head and hoist the lap top on a support, so it's eye level to prevent me from looking down. I have been in this odd holding pattern for over 2 months. It's still very disabling because I can't walk, sit or stand for very long without my head resting on something. Thank you very much for your reply. I know what your husband is talking about! Now, these weird euphoric feelings? Hmmmmm...