Just wondered what your definition of a low pressure headache is.

I've been pretty much stuck on the sofa since having a LP shunt in January.

On standing I feel very dizzy, lightheaded and sometimes I get a pain in my back.

Feel completely 'normal' when I'm lying down.

Also got a pain in the back of my neck... kind of feels muscley pain. Oh and the top of my head feels frozen. Depending on how I lay, i can also get these cold sensations around my forehead. Kind of like not enough blood getting to that area.

I also have a very specific area in my brain that I get weird sensations in. I come across a map of the brain really and it showed it to be the third ventricle area.

That area feels bruised and sore all the time. It hurts to move my head and generally i look to the floor most of the time. If i could put my head in plaster cast I would.

Had a rough couple of days, so thought i'd ramble on here. Sure the consultant won't know what hit him when he meets me lol

Hi huggy! Sorry your LP shunt isn't being very helpful to you right now! :(

To answer your question, I had a low pressure headache following a lumbar puncture once and that was a very severe headache anytime I would stand up (like being hit over the head with a wooden board or something), and a loud ringing in my ears (not whooshing, but high-pitched ringing). It would be fine as soon as I would lay down.

Today, I still sometimes experience low pressure headaches that are less severe, with just a milder sort of pain and the high pitched ringing in the ears instead of the whooshing sound I often get when my pressure is higher. I can usually relieve these headaches by resting too.

Have you been in touch with your doctor about this pain you've been in since the shunt surgery?

Yes I relate to your reply. I guess this extra cold head and not wanting to move my head much is extra!

I did speak to my consultant, be he said it wasn;t related to the shunt.

I'm seeing a new consultant next month, so see what he says!

I'm not overly worried, but it's just there constantly and has been for a couple of months now, driving me mad!

thanks for your response, have a good day!

Just in case someone hasn't already suggested it to you, you might want to start keeping a written log of your symptoms to keep track and share with your new consultant. There's a great one here under the "Recommendations for You" section.

Hope your day is great too and that you start feeling lots better soon!

thanks for your reply.. yes its good to keep a diary.

I woke up with a low pressure headache yesterday...which usually settles. But this went on all day. The room spun and didn't stop. No alcohol involved!

anyway feeling bit better today... my appointment is getting closer thankfully.

this is just too much at the moment

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] Huggy,

Have you spoke to your Neurosurgeon? Its sounds to me like it is low pressure and your Shunt might be over draining, You might need to have a Shunt Revision. I would suggest speaking to your Neurosurgeon about your symptoms xxx

I'm so sorry your suffering and your shunt wasn't the relief you thought [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] sometimes low pressure can be just as bad as high. Fingers crossed that they will be able to give you some relief xxx Keep us updated xxx

Yes my neurologist only uses shunts with no valves... so the only thing he has offered me is to remove my shunt. Quite honestly i can't face going back to LPs and diamox.

I'm off for my second opinion a week monday! crossing everything that can be crossed that he offers me something!

Fingers crossed for you next week and hope you get a good result withe second opinion. Keep us updated.

I didn't have a LP w/ valve in the beginning, but they placed a programmable valve in my catheter..I'm fine now, so I'm glad you're getting a second opinion. Good luck, & keep us posted!

Getting closer!! Next Monday... woop woop

I've had a couple of really bad days. the room just spins every time i get up.

suffice to say, i don't move much lol

My theme song is Dead and Alive You Spin Me Right Round Baby.

Going up to Cambridge on Sunday and spending the night in a hotel... how excited am i lol

Have a good week everyone.

Still watching my hoarding programmes and decluttering as and when I can. I'm driving my parter mad.

Even the dog is sitting on her toys!

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] He offers you more then the option of having your shunt removed xxx Keep us all up dated xxx

And leave the poor dogs toys alone! lol

thinking of you today xx

hope you get the help you need xx