My friend had an epidural 3 days ago and when she called me today she told me she was experiencing a headache?

Question:

And had been since the procedure. She also said she had some blisters that looked like chemical burns. I don't know anything about the blisters, but I have had epidurals in the past and had heard about headaches. I guess she finally called her doctor this morning, when he called her back he said he couldn't help her now because he was going out of town and he asked her to call back next week. But he did advise her to lie flat on her back and to drink as much caffiene as she could stand.
I have had several epidurals and had heard about lying on your back to prevent headaches. But I don't know anything about treatment after a reaction. He told her that he thought he had hit the spinal fluid and that was causing the headache. But as I don't really know anything about the "treatment protocal" I would really appreciate any information anyone could provide. This just seems "off" to me?
Thanks in advance, Patricia

Answers:
On my third ceasarean section, I experienced headaches after an epidural. The doctor said it was probably because too much of the spinal fluid kinda 'spilled out'. He told me to drink plenty of water and consume fluids to help replenish the spinal fluid that had been lost. And to stay lying down flat on my back without pillows under my head for at least 3 more days.

He probably wants her to drink some caffeine if she is a heavy coffee drinker, she could be experiencing caffeine withdrawal symptoms.

It should ease the headaches if lack of fluids is the cause. Otherwise she should go to an emergency room to have another doctor check her out.

Other Answers:
I would tell her to go to an ER. Before my doctor gave me my epi he said to immediately inform him if I had a bad headache because it could be symptom of something. He didn't go into detail, so I don't know what that something is. But I would definately go get it checked out.

Your friend needs to go to the ER ASAP! I am worried she may have something seriously wrong down there. Please advise her to go to the hospital!

My wife experienced this as well.. well, the headaches, but not the blisters. As it turned out, they tore her dura during the procedure, and she had to have what is known as a blood patch (on two separate occasions). If that is the problem, the headache will not go away on it's own.

Rather than the OB-Gyn, have her call the hospital back and speak to the anesthesiologist on call.

More Questions and Answers

The consumer health information on youqa.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.

My friend had an epidural 3 days ago and when she called me today she told me she was experiencing a headache?

Health Resources