Can the titanium plate bend over time? Headache after wearing winter hat...

[kippy6]

I was so cold the other night that I got up and got my furry winter hat and wore it all night long while I slept. I woke up the next morning, and I was okay at first, but soon found that my head was killing me (where my titanium plate is). I'm on my 2nd day of pain.

• If I have my head in a certain position in the morning, it doesn't hurt at all. But I absolutely can not bend over at a 90 degree angle or else I feel like an icepick is stabbing me. I have to squat down in order to pick up something from the floor.
  
  
• Throughout the day it gets worse. If I turn my head a certain way while talking, working, etc... it hurts really bad again. I simply move my head back in a different direction in order to alleviate the pain. The pain is absolutely unbearable if I stay in the position that is creating the pain, and I am so happy that I can at least move my head to get some relief during the day.
  
  

• But as the day progresses, just carrying my handbag hurts my head, and by the end of the night, my head is hurting non-stop, down into the bone behind my ear and also into my neck area on that right side. Last night when I laid down to go to sleep, it was torture to roll over in bed (ice pick pain in t. plate area if I moved), but if I found a comfortable position, I could just stay still and fall asleep. I took prescription strength motrin and I was much, much better when I woke up this morning, but it started all over again this morning.
  
  

When I touch my head in the area of the t. plate, it is very sore upon touching it, and it is a little indented. I can't say that it wasn't indented before though. It seems that some time after my surgery, my plate at one time felt indented more than normal, but then seemed to level off, but that could be my imagination. There seems to be a definate indentation, but I don't know if that is normal. I plan on giving this a couple of days to see if it gets better and if not, then I'll put in a call to my doc. But in the mean time, I'm just wondering if it is possible to bend your titanium plate. The furry hat I wore fits sort of snugly, but I didn't think it was that snug when I first put it on. And the bottom of the hat does hit right at my t. plate area. There is probably some sort of band sewn in the hat in that area to help keep the hat on. Anyone know what exactly could be causing my pain?

[CHD63]

kippy6 .....

It almost sounds like a neuralgia-like pain.  However, since this is a new issue, I would certainly contact HEI and/or Dr. Brackmann for some direction on it.  As for the titanium plate moving, not quite sure how it could, but I am not a doctor .....  and I never asked how mine is secured into my skull.  Since your pain is in that area, I would mention your specific concern when you talk to or email them.

Hopefully it is a transient nerve inflammation and will resolve soon.

Let us know what you find out.

Clarice

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Kippy ~

I'm sorry to learn about your headaches and other pain.  Obviously, this is something requiring the expertise of a licensed physician.  However, to the best of my knowledge, the titanium mesh that covers the incision is secured by tiny screws and I seriously doubt they could all loosen to the point where the mesh could actually shift around on your skull.  However, anything is possible and I know that one of our members did have to have at least one screw removed due to it's gradual loosening, so this is not totally beyond the realm of possibility. 

In my opinion, you should not allow yourself to suffer while waiting to see if the pain will go away.  I suggest that you consider calling your doctor, explain the sudden onset of pain in your skull and allow him to examine you and, one hopes, discover a cause of your pain as well a offering a solution.  Let us know what happens.  Thanks.

Jim

[Lizard]

Strange that this pain would begin so long after your AN, but it does sound like what I experience and is mainly due to my occipital nerves.  It is possible that the nerves became entrapped somehow or are inflammed, but what would cause this?  No idea, call your Dr or get in to see a pain management doc or neurologist who specializes in head pain.
Please let us know what you find.
Liz

[kippy6]

Thank you for your replies. I did not sleep well last night, as I kept waking up with my head hurting. It is still hurting today, but may be getting a little better. I'm wondering if the titanium mesh plate can bend. I was thinking that during surgery, the surgeons probably mold the mesh titanium with their hands to the shape of the skull and then use the screws to hold in place. If they can bend it a little to allow for optimal fitting on each individual skull, then I was wondering if it is possible for it to bend a little if pressure is applied to it for an extended period of time (from something such as the band of my hat if it is hitting in the exact right spot). Just wondering. Does anyone know if titanium mesh can bend at all?

[wwarr]

Kippy6,

I am so sorry you're suffering with this pain right now.  I did google your concerns and found that it could be due to the plates or screws.  It could be neuralgia and irritation to the nerves but I would definately contact your Doctor as this is a new symptom.  I wish you the best and hope your pain gets better!  Hang in there!!

Wendy   

[Captain Deb]

The titanium plates in my head are very small--more like rectangular washers held in place by 2 tiny screws each.  I had mid-fossa--I can't see your
sig line on my Blackberry so I don't know which surgical approach you had.  Definitely put in a call to your surgeon since this is something new but remember surgeons aren't pain specialists and if it does not resolve within a month or so, it may be time to seek the help of a pain specialist.

Capt Deb