I am curious if other mothers have experienced migraines after having a baby? About three days after having my first child, I started experiencing daily headaches. I had a c-section, and was told it was common to experience headaches after a c-section, but they should go away - mine have not, and it’s been about 4 ½ years. I've seen so many doctors - ear nose and throat, neurologists, physical therapists, and headache specialists, and I've come to terms that they will not go away – I will probably have them for the rest of my life, and there isn’t a cure. I did not think they were migraines at first, because I tend to feel pain between my eyes, so I thought that it was sinus related. Several cat scans and MRIs later proved that it wasn’t sinus related. I started realizing that I would get pain in my temple, usually only one temple would hurt, and I would feel sick to my stomach, dizzy, irritable, sensitive to light and sound, neck pain, and I could not focus or read anything well when experiencing these symptoms – these are classic symptoms of a migraine. My headaches can be controlled with medication and avoiding certain foods, (aged cheeses, anything smoked, sausage, bacon, avocadoes, chocolate, red wine) and not eat food/leftovers that sit in the refrigerator for more than 48 hours. I have seen a significant difference in the intensity of my headaches since I've avoided these foods, but I do still get some type of headache every day. I am wondering if other mothers who have had c-sections have experienced headaches on a daily basis. I am wondering if the spinal I had for my c-section had anything to do with triggering these headaches. I had one doctor recommend having a spinal tap done to measure the amount of spinal fluid I have, and another doctor told me the procedure for a spinal tap is very uncomfortable and recommended against it. I’m not sure what to do, but may move ahead and have a spinal tap done. Has anyone ever heard of headaches coming about like this after a c-section or epidural?
I'm so thrilled to see so many responses in one day about headaches. It's good to read all of the suggestions. I have gone to an endricrinologist for hypothyroid problem, but have not gone to one in a very long time, since my thyroid is under control. I am not sure what they check when it comes to hormones. Most of my doctors did not feel that it was hormone related, but I don't know exactly why. I went to the Diamond Headache Clinic in February 2007, and have been on some medication from them - Topamax did not agree with me well, so I ended that pretty quickly. I tried Elavil, which made me too tired, it seemed to control my life, because I could barely drive in to work in the morning - it was so sedating. I am on birth control now where I only get periods every 90 days, so I am miserable 4 weeks out of the year, instad of 12. My headaches during my period are terrible. I am on Vivactil every day, which is similar to Elavil, but not sedating. I take Migrinal (nasal spray) which seems to work with the onset of one, but it won't prevent them. I also can take Norflex, and Toradol for the onset of a migraine. Toradol leaves a funny taste in my mouth and makes me tired. Norflex is an anti-inflamitory, which helps with the neck pain I feel. So, I am on a lot of different things, but I don't know if they are doing enough to prevent them from coming.
I did have a second baby and had a second c-section, and I was hoping they'd get better during the pregnancy, but they didn't. Between my first and second pregnancy, I took Nasonex, and that seemed to be working, then I got pregnant. Nasonex is for alergies, and I've had scratch tests and all was normal. When I was pregnant, I was told that I could take Sudafed, and that actually helped. My bloodpressure did not go up, which was great. I made it through the pregnancy. Once my second child was born, Nasonex did not work, Mucinex seemed to help a little bit, because the pain tends to be between my eyes, which is where the 5th sinus is, and Mucinex seemed to think the mucus and drain that area where my pain was. Every Ear nose and throat doctor seems to think that my congstion is not an issue and would not be causing headaches - It took me a very long time to say that it may be migraines. The migraine medicine seems to be helping from time to time, but I don't think I'm on the right combination of drugs yet. I am still thinking of having a spinal tap done. I heard that it is something you should rule out, and a friend of mine knew someone who had low spinal fluid, and once she was given more fluid, the pain went away. I still feel that the spinal for my c-section somehow caused this. When I had it done, the first time they did "miss" and injected me and it did not take. Where does that fluid go? Could it cause issues? I just don't know! The second shot did work. My second c-section was not a problem, but the headaches did come back, and seemed to get more severe when I went back to work. I'm sure stress of working full time and having 2 children under the age of 5 doesn't help my headaches get any better. Someone suggested that the florescent lights in my office might affect me, or the glow of the computer screen may affect me. If my headaches continue as bad as they are this week, I may consider not working, if we can afford it. We will have to see. It's been a long 4 1/2 years and I know some people have had migraines for 20+. I was hospitalized through the Diamond headache clinic, and learned a lot about headaches. I had an IV with the medicine that I now have in nasal spray. The IV was supposed to stop the cluster of headaches, but it didn't. I'd love to hear more responses and suggestions to see what else I might be able to do to find the right medicine/solution for me.
Spinal Tap worked for my cousin. She tried everything and she says that it was almost immediate.
Good Luck!
Hi C.,
I can just support what others say about the change in hormones that could have a lot to do with it! I had terrible migraines at the end of both pregnancies but as soon as I delievered (vaginally) they were SO MUCH BETTER! After my youngest was about 1 1/2 my Dr. put me back on the birth control pill which triggered a migraine that lasted 2 weeks and I have had every month since January, with my period. I was hospitalized for the first migraine and have seen several Drs and been on so many different medicines with no stopping. The only thing that really helps is narcotics which I HATE being on. Last month I finally went to the Diamond Headache Clinic so I am anxious to see what they come up with.
Good luck!
Wow, I feel your pain. I have had 2 c-sections but my migraines didn't start until I was pregnant with my second daughter, it's been 2 years of serious pain. I actually have a smell aura, I smell a burning incense smell. I had all the tests this summer-EEG, CT scan of sinuses, MRI of head, and nothing was found. I've been the route of eliminating foods, which helps. I also had a food allergy test done which you might try. I've been on Topamax and now Neurontin...both of them help a little but every day I still get headaches (not migraines) and have that smell like one is about to come. I have to take Motrin every day to fight off the pain and it's tearing my stomach up.
I have come to the point where I will try anything...I saw an herbal cure that I am trying. It says it can get rid of your headaches completely. It is called headachestaygone.com
I have been taking it for a week now, they recommend me taking 3 capsules morning, noon, and night until I can go 2 weeks without a headache, then cut back. I've been on it a week and out of that week I've only had to take Motrin 2 days. I think it may be working...
The impressive thing that got me when I called about the product is that you try it for 90 days, if you don't like it you don't pay for it. They just shipped the product out to me and didn't take any credit card info down!! So far there are no side effects like I've had with the other medications used to prevent migraines.
You might want to give that a try. You can take it with all of your normal headache meds. The idea is eventually you can taper off your other meds and eventually this product. They claim it cures your headaches, no matter how severe.
If you're at your wits end like I am, give it a try. Like I thought, at this point it can't hurt. Feel free to email me if you have any other questions about it. I am not affiliated with the company or product whatsoever.
I started having headaches after the birth of my second daughter (Vaginal Delivery). I did have an epidural that I had some problems with for about 4-5 months after the delivery...but me being a Labor & Delivery Nurse (prior to my current job of SAHM), I know it is very rare to have any permanent damage from epidurals. However, with that said, YES it CAN happen, although rare. I also know that after labor and delivery, it is very common for woman to suffer from headaches, usually tension-type headaches. And are due to the sharp fall in estrogen and progesterone levels that follow the labor and delivery. Usually though the headaches go away. Anyway, I thought my headaches were due to sleep deprivation and just thought they were "headaches" (because I could still function and tend to my children as normal), however they were consistently in the same spot...and would have them daily and many times all day long. Finally after 3 months of suffering, I went to see my Primary Care Doctor, he ran a CT Scan and MRI to rule out tumor. After both of those came back normal, he referred me to a Headache Clinic to see a specialist. The specialist told me that 90% of women have migraines during their lifetime and that there are 2 specific time periods when the migraines occur 1.) after the start of puberty and 2.) after the birth of a child (doesn't have to be the first, second, third, etc. child....just after the birth of a child). Which of course defines them as being due to hormonal reasons (hence the childbearing age). Anyway, I was indeed diagnosised with migraines. So am being treated with Topamax for (preventitive care of migraines) and then Zomig if I have break through headaches. He started me on 25mg and then increased it (25mg more) each week until I felt relief. It took about 2 weeks for me to start being headache free, so at that point I was at 50mg. That lasted about 2 months...then started having them again...so I increased it another 25 mg (putting me at 75mg) and would have some relief on some days. After 3 months of being on them, I had a follow-up appt. to which I explained that I LOVED the Topamax, but that I would on occasion still have the headaches, after having increased them to 75mg. He said that it's common for patients to be "better" for a while, then they effects of 50mg, 75mg, become uneffective and need their increased. So, was increased to a 100mg pill and haven't had any migraines or complaints since. I will warn you that although Topamax is great, it does come with some side effects such as: tingleness of hands/feet, weight-loss (sometimes significant), loss of appetite, bad taste of foods, forgetfullness, diarrhea....there are more, but this is just to name a few. The specialist told me that many people end up taking themselves off the Topamax, because the side effects become annoying and unbearable for them (the main complaints being the tingelness/forgetfullness). The side effects that I have experienced are the tingleness, forgetfullness, and bad taste of foods. Although they can be annoying (especially the tingleness), to me the side effects are "worth it", because I'm finally migraine free and can function normally without complaining and being in "pain" all day long.
I hope that you can get on some sort of treatment plan to help you...I know how frustrating it is and how "painful" they can be. Best of luck to you!
I am having migraines as well, more often after having my c-sections. I kept a log for about 3 months and found that my migraines were related to my menstrual cycle. Every woman is different hormonally. You may be experiencing a fluctuation in your hormone levels when this happens. Log it and see. Maybe see an endocrinologist. I keep a bottle of Advil Migraine with me and take it at the first sign of a headache. Good Luck!
I did not have a c-section, however, I have suffered from Migranes since I was 20. You may want to look into factors beside the c-section to see if they are the cause. I found that I had neck problems and saw a chiropractor. That got rid of most of my headaches. Massages may also me another way to go.
C.,
Funny you should ask that question.... I just heard that comment from a co-worker this week. I haven't done any of the research on it yet, but wanted to let you know you're not alone. I've had migraines off n on for the past 10 years - coincidentally starting right after I had my oldest son ... yep with an epidural. I've had one for my other 2 kids and honestly it seems like the migraines are increasing in their frequency and intensity. Last week I had 4 which is rare since I used to get them once or twice a year. I don't have any answers as I'm still in the investigative phase of trying to figure out my triggers, but wanted to send u a note wishing u luck in your search. I don't know if an S.T. is the way to go as I'm not familiar with medicine, but I'm confident that someone here can guide u. Hope u get some relief and answers soon.
Hugs,
R.
I had a headache for a week after my c-section and they found out that I had a leak from the spinal. So they did a spinal patch, which was putting my own blood in they spot they did the spinal. It was gone within hours.
I had a c-section and was in the hospital for a week. I couldn't breastfeed my son like I wanted to, could barely HOLD him, because my migraines were so bad. After about the 4th day of severe migraines, they ended up doing a spinal tap on me to remove fluid, and it finally got better. I still occasionally get them, but it's only about once a month, if that often. I won't lie, it WAS a horrible experience since I knew the pain I was about to be put through (getting the shot before my c-sect. was bad enough, they had to stick me about 7 times before they found the right spot)....let me tell you it was the weirdest feeling. It was worth it to get rid of the migraines though! Almost instant relief. I can't imagine living with them for 4 1/2 yrs (or longer like some of the other posters!). Good luck!!
a quick read tells me that this could be a spinal headache induced by the epidural-- something that is much more common than they let on.
I would AVOID the spinal tap, and find a good chiropractor. Many women have these headaches for the rest of their lives... I hope this isn't the case for you, but some good modalities or adjustments might do the trick, or at least manage the pain and keep the headaches at bay longer.
I have worked in the Chiropractic field for 10+ years now and seen many women with headache problems like this due to a change in the cerebro-spinal fluid from the edipural. This is fluid that your body cannot make more of, and can cause problems if there is not enough of it. If you lost some during your epi-- this could be your culprit. This is why a spinal tap is a bad idea-- it could only make it worse.
I don't mean to scare you... this is just my experience and you can take what you like and leave the rest....
good luck. I hope you feel better soon.
I have migraines daily. At least one a day and if I am lucky it leaves the same day. After a lot of tests and stuff, I take Depakote and some supplements that help reduce the frequency and duration. I was getting to a point prior to being pregnant with my son that they were almost gone. The pregnancy brought the lovely things back. I'm resigned to getting them. I carry an emergency make up bag everywhere I go to take care of the them as they start.
The stress your body underwent could have simply been the trip switch in your body. Undergoing a spinal tap may make the migraines worse, which I assume is why the one doctor is not recommending it.
I know a main trigger in my migraines is a pinch nerve between my C1 and C2 and also between my C3 and C4. The condition is aggravated by inflammation in my muscles and joints cause by fibromyalgia. After being told by my doctor that the fibro seemed to be triggering the migraines, I went after getting the fibro under control. Which it finally is after several years. Unfortunately, it turns out the migraines are not brought on by the fibro as much as we thought. I had chased for years to flush out the "cause" and treat it to rid myself of the migraines, only to be left with more pills to swallow and having to do injections to keep the migraines "tolerable".
The point I am trying to make is while it is very good to try and find the root of it and treat it; try to remember it can be a very long process. Don't put all your hopes on one thing. Chronic pain can very easily bring about depression and vice versa.
Remind yourself as often as you have to that even when tests all comeback "normal" and something thing doesn't work, that you are still taking steps to feel better and are making progress.
I am going to have a consult to see if I would be a good candidate for a procedure where the doctor kills off some pain receptor nerves in my neck prior to reaching the brain stem which ends up keeping my brain from having migraine. You might want to talk to your doctor and see if you would be a good candidate as well.
My mother and aunt had the procedure done and a year after the procedure they are both virtually migraine free.
I hope that your head feels well soon.
Hi, I have not had a c-section, but have been headaches for over 20 yrs., and I'm currently 31. I've tried everything. I finally found a Dr. that is treating my headaches, rather than covering them up. I had sinus, tension, migraines, everything. Headaches averaged 5-6 times/week. My Dr. is Dr. Rossi out of DuPage medical Group in Bloomingdale. She is great. I'm currently on hiatus from her due to I"m pregnant and can't take the meds. Hormones change like crazy after having a baby no matter how you birth. You could have triggered something to give you the headaches. For me, it turns out I've got them so long that everything was triggering them, thus headaches almost everyday. Maybe you can try and find the Dr.'s info., but if not, I know I have the number somewhere. She actually listens to you and will diagnose based on individuals, not just symptoms. By the way, after I saw her and started her perscription plan, my headaches almost went away, then I got pregnant. Good luck.
Well, I also have two kids and I didn't have a c-section and I've had headaches (Migraines) for over 13years. But to the up side, There is this great medicine I take from the doctor called Imitrex and on the first sign of one I take one pill and I NEVER get the migraine!!!!!!! I get the aurora or lighting bolts before that's how I know. I also did the Dr. thing ear, eyes and nose and MRI nothing they could see. But even the nausea and sensitivity to light are gone w/ this med. Good luck M.
My mother, now 59, suffered from migraines starting after her first child (over 30 years), and up to menopause. I think they are hormonally related. She took Imitrex, which helped a lot.
She was a headache sufferer her whole life, though, and still had headaches after menopause. However, she began taking Pilates, and now claims to have no headaches whatsoever. Some form of exercise (when you are up for it), may help...?
As someone said above, every woman is completely different hormonally. From my mother's experience, I know how debilitating they can be. If you need any doctor recommendations (she worked in the medical field for almost 30 years), I would be happy to speak to her or give you her contact info.
I've had migraines before and after a c-section. I go to the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago and would highly recommend them for treatment of your headaches. I've been going there over 10 years and greatly reduced my number of migraines. I also have the food triggers, so just identifying those has reduced the number significantly. Good luck!
Hi C., I too had a c-section and started having daily headaches afterward. As I read your story I noticed we have a lot of symptoms in common so I figured I'd share my experience and maybe it will help. After I had my daughter I noticed that I would wake up with really bad headaches. This went on day after day for months. My headaches were worse in the morning and the pain always seemed to be around my sinus area. I felt dizzy, had nausea, was sensitive to light, and I noticed that my vision was blurred. I went in for a routine eye exam and my opthamologist asked me if I had frequent headaches. I told her my daily symptoms and she said I had swollen optic nerves. I wasn't sure what that had to do with headaches but I was sent for a CT scan and referred to a neurologist. My CT scan showed a mild chronic sinus infection, but I was told that it was not the cause of my headaches. When I saw my neurologist she hold me that I most likely had Pseudotumor Cerebri. Basically she thought I had elevated intracranial pressure. The only way to get an exact diagnosis to rule this out was a spinal tap. I was totally freaked out! Having to have a spinal tap was scary but I was willing to do anything to get rid of my headaches. The procedure really wasn't bad. I felt a sting for a couple of seconds and before I knew it the procedure was done. It turned out that I did have elevated spinal pressure and was put on Diamox. I had to see my neurologist every couple months and they would change the dosage depending on my symptoms. Shortly after going on the medication I felt like a new person. My headaches completely disappeared and I wasn't tired anymore. I was no longer dizzy and felt like I could funtion like a normal human being. Pseudotumor Cerebri is rare and they don't know a ton about it. My neurologist said mine was probably brought on by my pregnancy. Luckly for me within a year of going on Diamox it was totally resolved. There is a chance it will come back but they don't know for sure. I have to follow up with my ophthmologist every three months so she can check my optic nerves. With Pseudotumor Cerebri the elevated pressure causes your optic nerves to swell. They have to keep a close eye on it because if they become too swollen you can go blind. As with any disease some cases are more severe than others. I feel completely blessed as some people have this their entire life. For most people it can be controlled with medication. Others have to have spinal taps when symptoms get severe and can not be controlled with medication. I know this is really long but I wanted to share in case it helps. Living with severe daily headaches is awful.
Another thing I found interesting is that you have a thyroid disorder. I was diagnosed with Grave's disease this past year. I have no idea if Pseudotumor Cerebri and thyroid problems are related but it may be something to check into. Good luck and I hope this helps. If you have questions let me know. I'll be more than happy to give you Doctors names, etc.
Have you ever tried chiropractic. My sister and myself both had problems with headaches. Chiropractic helped both of us. Check out www.icpa4kids.com
I never had migraines until after the c-section (with epidural) of our daugter's birth and then they were hormonal. Have you ever considered talking to an endocrinologist (hormone specialist)or even your gynecologist? Things change after a baby for most people; luckily for me, the cyclical nature of my migraines pointed to the cause. Good luck.
