What Causes Severe Headaches Despite Having Normal Spinal Taps?

Posted on Mon, 10 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 31 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : my neurologist has done 3 spinal taps within 16 months and 2 cat scan which came back normal. 3rd spinal tap showed cerebal fluid had inflammation.
still no results of what it can be. headache has transformed to different kinds of headaches in different parts of my head. all make me confused, nauseous and fatigued. any idea what I should do next?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Migraine

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

I understand how annoying headaches can be. Your doctor has done a good job in finding out a reason for neurological causes for migraine. However I also recommend you to get the following tests done

1. Vit d levels
2. Complete blood count
3. Fasting blood sugar
4. Vit b12 and folic acid levels
5. Thyroid function test

The above abnormalities are some of the common causes for atypical symptoms.

I also recommend you to be on prophylactic measures to prevent headaches from coming. I put my patients on beta blockets like propranolol. It helps prevent headaches well.

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D