What reason would a neurologist have for ordering a spinal tap on a femail patient with history of migranes?
My wife has been having persistant migranes for approx. 16 months. She has seen (2) neorologists. The second ordered an MRI which didn't really show anything. That was about 12 months ago. She went back to the 2nd neurologist in May and they performed another MRI...and today she got a call that they have ordered a Spinal Tap for this Thursday. In the past, she has not been able to get in for ANY type of test in less than 6 weeks...now they get her scheduled in 2 days?
I'm curious and concerned...however trying to remain optimistic in front of her.
Answers:
Spinal Taps are performed in Migraineurs when an underlying illness is suspected of causing the headaches. Generally, these are Meningitis and a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. A spinal tap will rules out these types of illensses and allow the doctor to then consider other treatment. http://www.cnn.com/health/library/ds/001...
It's a fairly "normal" test for migraineurs who have severe migraines.
Have your wife also ask the neurologist about testing for a PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale). It's the latest topic in migraine news on how this hole in the heart may contribute to migraines and strokes.
http://www.helpforheadaches.com/articles...
http://headaches.about.com/od/prevention...
I wish your wife well and hope that the spinal tap finds nothing.
They could be worried about Spinal Meningitis...it's pretty serious
They are probably just taking precautions. If all she's had is headaches, she's probably fine. Spinal tap checks to see if there is any type of infection going on in there. They usually do a cell count (there shouldn't normally be any white or red blood cells in spinal fluid), a culture, and they check glucose and protein levels. Headaches are usually caused by pressure they are just making sure she doesn't have an infection that is causing inflammation in her meninges (the lining of the brain).
Sounds very similiar to my history, the spinal tap in my case it was to measure the pressure of the cerebral spinal fluid (csf). In my case it was double the pressure it should have been and i was diagnosed with Benign Intercraneal Hypertension (BIH). Treatment was one small tablet once a day, that lasted for 12months, now all ok, got discharged from neurolgist after 12 months. There are other things it could be, but this was my experience. Please tell your wife not to worry too much, easy to say, but stressing herself out will not help. You are right to remain optimistic in front of her, my thoughts are with you
Hope all goes well and good luck
I had this happen. Ask if they are checking for Begnign Intercranial Hypertension. It is a condition that is caused by excessive spinal fluid.
It is generally found in women. You can look it up online. Also it caused severe headaches & vision impairment, I lost some of my perphial vision. My condition is in check with medication & exercise. I hope this helps answer some of your questions. I have a really good neurologist.
Several unusual and rare disease processes that cause chronic migraines can be diagnosed with lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The timing of the test (within 2 days) is not a factor here, it is most likely due to availability of the physician, staff, etc. and not a function of her condition. I'd be 99% sure the LP will show nothing - the doctor is ruling things out now and being thorough. He will most likely suggest a CT angiogram next to rule out an AV malformation or aneurysm. again unusual findings. Most likely ya'll will never know the cause but will find a medicine regemine that will help.
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I'm curious and concerned...however trying to remain optimistic in front of her.
Answers:
Spinal Taps are performed in Migraineurs when an underlying illness is suspected of causing the headaches. Generally, these are Meningitis and a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. A spinal tap will rules out these types of illensses and allow the doctor to then consider other treatment. http://www.cnn.com/health/library/ds/001...
It's a fairly "normal" test for migraineurs who have severe migraines.
Have your wife also ask the neurologist about testing for a PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale). It's the latest topic in migraine news on how this hole in the heart may contribute to migraines and strokes.
http://www.helpforheadaches.com/articles...
http://headaches.about.com/od/prevention...
I wish your wife well and hope that the spinal tap finds nothing.
They could be worried about Spinal Meningitis...it's pretty serious
They are probably just taking precautions. If all she's had is headaches, she's probably fine. Spinal tap checks to see if there is any type of infection going on in there. They usually do a cell count (there shouldn't normally be any white or red blood cells in spinal fluid), a culture, and they check glucose and protein levels. Headaches are usually caused by pressure they are just making sure she doesn't have an infection that is causing inflammation in her meninges (the lining of the brain).
Sounds very similiar to my history, the spinal tap in my case it was to measure the pressure of the cerebral spinal fluid (csf). In my case it was double the pressure it should have been and i was diagnosed with Benign Intercraneal Hypertension (BIH). Treatment was one small tablet once a day, that lasted for 12months, now all ok, got discharged from neurolgist after 12 months. There are other things it could be, but this was my experience. Please tell your wife not to worry too much, easy to say, but stressing herself out will not help. You are right to remain optimistic in front of her, my thoughts are with you
Hope all goes well and good luck
I had this happen. Ask if they are checking for Begnign Intercranial Hypertension. It is a condition that is caused by excessive spinal fluid.
It is generally found in women. You can look it up online. Also it caused severe headaches & vision impairment, I lost some of my perphial vision. My condition is in check with medication & exercise. I hope this helps answer some of your questions. I have a really good neurologist.
Several unusual and rare disease processes that cause chronic migraines can be diagnosed with lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The timing of the test (within 2 days) is not a factor here, it is most likely due to availability of the physician, staff, etc. and not a function of her condition. I'd be 99% sure the LP will show nothing - the doctor is ruling things out now and being thorough. He will most likely suggest a CT angiogram next to rule out an AV malformation or aneurysm. again unusual findings. Most likely ya'll will never know the cause but will find a medicine regemine that will help.
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