ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: Gloria Nailor on August 13, 2013, 04:43:01 pm

Title: Headaches post gamma knife treatment
Post by: Gloria Nailor on August 13, 2013, 04:43:01 pm
Hello there, I had my gamma knife treatment two weeks ago today.  I have been experiencing daily headaches that are progressively becoming more uncomfortable, have been taking Motrin or Tylenol several times a day, which takes the edge off a bit. The headaches are around the crown of my head and more noticeable on the left side of my forehead, my AN is on the right. I called the doc today at Tufts in Boston, where I had my treatment, he said he's  never had a patient complain of headaches becoming progressively worse after the gamma knife before. We are going to trial small dose steroids for a few days and see what happens.  Just curious if anyone out there had similar headaches after their gamma knife treatment?????  thanks for your time!
Title: Re: Headaches post gamma knife treatment
Post by: Nannybee on August 13, 2013, 05:21:56 pm
I didn't have Gamma Knife, but did have stereotactic radio surgery and have experienced headaches post-treatment, also mostly in the crown area and the side of the head opposite my treatment. Good luck with the steroids! I think you will find lots of company here who have experienced post treatment headaches.
Title: Re: Headaches post gamma knife treatment
Post by: proudmomof3 on August 13, 2013, 07:39:37 pm
I also have headaches post GK. I always had minor headaches before GK, but they progressively grew worse after GK and now are full blown headaches (feels like someone stabbing my head). They happen at least 1-2 times per week, and some last for up to 3 days. My surgeon said they are "not" related to GK (I do not believe this at all). I have seen a neurologist since who states they are migraines and will not admit it is related to GK. He actually says he doesn't know why I get them but stress plays a factor (I do believe that as I am always under a great deal of stress).

Unfortunately, I do not have any advice for you. Just know that there are many of us out there that experience the same thing, with no real remedy to the problem.

Hope you feel better soon.
Title: Re: Headaches post gamma knife treatment
Post by: nftwoed on August 13, 2013, 08:14:54 pm
Hello proudmomof3;
   Are your HAs also on the opposite side as the AN?
Title: Re: Headaches post gamma knife treatment
Post by: Petrone on August 13, 2013, 08:55:42 pm

I also had severe, stabbing headaches about 8-9 weeks after GK. My physicians had that same frustratingly puzzled reaction, "My, what on earth could be causing that?" I don't know doc, but I never experienced headaches like this before I had GK. After trying several over-the-counter pain relievers. I found Aleve helped the most. An ice pack also helped. Fortunately, the headaches seem to have subsided. 

Feel better soon.
Petrone
 
Title: Re: Headaches post gamma knife treatment
Post by: Gloria Nailor on August 14, 2013, 07:12:07 pm
thank you for your replies, hoping the headaches are short lived! Started some steroids today, lets hope they help.