Spinal Headache following Myelogram

Dear Ask The Doctor: I had a CT Myelogram done (2-9-11) after they put the dye in my spine they had me sit up and eat before the scan. That afternoon I got a severe headache. After 6 days I had my first blood patch, 6 days later I had my second blood patch. I still have the headache, and ear pain. I spend most of my day in bed drinking as much caffeine as I can. Is there anything else they can try? Help please.

Dear Julianne: Headache is a common complication of myelography. It may begin several hours after the examination and is due to the changes in cerebrospinal fluid pressure or a leak. Usually the headache may be mild and easily alleviated with rest and increased fluids but sometimes, the headache may be more severe and require stronger medication to relieve their symptoms. As you have been on patches already without much relief, placing an epidural blood patch directly at the the CSF leak can be an option. You still need to be careful and lie in bed with your head end slightly elevated than the rest of your body to help the leak heal faster, along with lots of fluid intake. You may also want to talk to your doctor or a neurologist to see if pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin may be an option to reduce your pain.