Can ESI injections given for spine pain lead to severe headaches and strange noises experienced inside head?
Patient: I experienced Pneumocephlus following an spinla epidural steroid injection. The ESI injections have helped my spine related pain very much. Was scheduled for MRI the day following my 2nd (in 2 weeks) ESI (docs are keeping tabs on a brain lesion of mine every 6 months, thus MRI). My brain looked like Swiss Cheese. Not like the other - compared to images of my brain - post EPS cases I ve seen on line, report read: There has been interval development of multiple foci of extra-axial susceptibility effect involving the posterior fossa, left sylvian fissure and interhemispheric fissure. These areas correspond to T1 hypointense, T2 hypointense foci, suggesting air bubbles or calcification… Once I saw this, I then recalled, on the evening after my 1st ESI: 1st epidural, I was laying down in bed, turned over and suddenly heard a crazy sound from within the right side of my head, like manic crickets, had pain shooting upward behind right ear, from jaw to top of head. My jaw wrenched itself open (from the right), and it and the right side of my face stiffened, and I could not move it, like suddenly half my face was made of concrete. Felt like I would pass out. I briefly - but calmly - thought I could be dying. Episode passed, though, within one minute. I wondered at that time if it was related to the injections. Forgot about it… I also had had wierd headaches I won t go into after my second ESI. MY neuro docs were relieved to hear I d had ESI (not their worry, anymore). Question: Should I fear future ESI? Pain Speciaslist or neurologist question? Thank you, Lena Arice Lucas Doctor: HIThank for asking to HCMIf I would be your doctor then I would never advise you for such invasive therapy when other options are available, this kind of intrathecal injection some time create dangerous effects not because of the drug but due to trauma, better have word with your doctor for better way than this take care and have nice day.