Spinal Headaches – Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

Doctors usually begin by asking detailed questions about the headache, including its location, severity, and any other symptoms like nausea, double vision, or neck stiffness.

Patients should let their provider know about any recent procedures, such as a spinal tap or lumbar puncture.

Common steps include:

• Physical exam.
• Review of medical history.
• Imaging tests like MRI to check for issues with cerebrospinal fluid or possible secondary causes.
• Sometimes doctors use blood tests to help rule out other conditions.

These checks help doctors determine if the headache relates to changes in intracranial pressure, infection, or other problems affecting the meninges or brain.

Treatment

Doctors often start treatment with conservative steps like:

• Bed rest (lying flat).
• Staying hydrated (drinking water or other fluids).
• Caffeine intake (such as coffee or tea).
• Pain relievers (like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

If these methods do not work in a day, a provider may perform an epidural blood patch.

In this procedure, a healthcare professional injects a small amount of the patient’s blood near the puncture site to help seal the leak and restore pressure. Providers rarely need to use more advanced measures or surgery.

Getting Ready for Your Visit

Steps You Can Take Before Your Appointment

• Write a list of symptoms. Include details about your headaches, such as when they started and any patterns you have noticed. Mention all symptoms, even those that might not seem related.

• Keep track of all medicines and supplements. Make a note of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, and herbal products you are using.

• Ask a relative or friend to go with you. Sometimes, it helps to have someone else hear the information your provider shares, especially if you are feeling unwell or anxious.

• Prepare a list of questions. Here are examples you might consider:
  1. What could be causing these symptoms?
  2. Are other triggers possible?
  3. Do I need more tests?
  4. Is this likely to last only a short time or longer?
  5. What treatments do you recommend?
  6. Are there other options?
  7. How can I handle any other health issues along with this?
  8. Are there things I should or should not do right now?
  9. Should I talk to a specialist?
  10. Where can I find more reliable information?

A simple table can help stay organized:

What to Bring	Why It Helps
List of symptoms	Clearer discussion.
Medication/supplement list	Avoid interactions.
Questions for provider	Get the answers you need.
Support person	Remember important details.

What Your Provider Might Ask

Medical providers need certain information to better understand headaches after a spinal procedure. Common questions include:

• When did you notice the headache?
• Do certain positions, like sitting or standing, make the headache worse?
• Have you had headaches before, and if yes, what kind?
• Are there any known triggers for your headaches?

If you answer honestly and provide details, your provider can suggest proper tests or treatments.