Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 12/1/2009

Question
Dr. Jackson,

I had my Gall Bladder removed in October 2009. Since that time I have had several migraines and have had to have two visits to the doctor to administer something for the pain.  Most of the time I tolerate the pain but most often it becomes unbearable. Following the surgical procedure the anesthesiologist had a difficult time waking me up. I remember her yelling my name over and over and my doctor yelling my name but I could not respond. From what I remember this did not last very long but I was curious to know if maybe my migraines could be associated with the anesthesia given during the surgery combined with the inability to wake up after? I also must mention that I do suffer from insomnia and did experience from headaches prior to the surgery, however I never experienced the ones that are currently troubling me. I do have allergies and take allergy medicine but the pain is not a sinus related pain. At times it is directly behind my right eye and the pain will radiate across the right side of my brain and down into my neck.  Lately however, the pain is in the left side of my brain. It is excruciating pain that shoots through my left side sometimes intermittently and at times fairly consistent for a few minutes at a time. The pain is often debilitating, makes my eyes water, and I lose my focus. At it's worst I will often forget what I was doing and have to retrace my steps.  

I read your posting dated February 25, 2008, regarding migraines following day surgery. I had a spinal fusion done on my L-4 %26 L-5 and bone spurs removed from the S-1 area. However, I did not experience migraines following the spinal surgery.  

Thanks for any advice you can give me,
Tonya
Oregon, USA


Answer
Hi Tonya
Apologies for delay in answer. It is difficult to see a link with your anaesthetic for your gall bladder surgery. Also if you have been well for a considerable time after your spinal procedure then this is also unlikely to be linked. It is natural to look for 'cause' in many things that occur to us whether that is an accident in the car or catching a bug from someone. However not everything has such a starting event and I'm afraid this may well be the case of your severe migraines. I assume they have been investigated esp as you are getting such marked hysical symptoms.
Sorry I cannot offer any further insight for you but I hope your problem settles.
Dr Ian Jackson