Headache side effects from Retrosigmoid approach?

[annac]

Has anyone recently had the retrosigmoid approach? Side effects?

[msmaggie]

 Hi there,
I had a retro in Dec., and yes I do have the occasional brief migraine type headache.  It responds to OTC meds and never lasts longer than 30-45 minutes.  It's bearable, but I'd be a liar if I said it didn't hurt during that time period!  That seems to be my only ill effect so far.  Does that help?

Priscilla

[CHD63]

I had retrosigmoid approach 19 months ago at Duke U. and had absolutely no headaches.  I had 80% hearing in the AN ear pre-surgery, 20% post-op.  Minor nausea upon waking up, quickly resolved within the first 24 hours.  My main issue is one of balance, but my case is a little different, in that I have no vestibular nerve function on either side due to having had two retrosigmoid surgeries (see signature below), but I have learned to compensate so is mainly a problem when I am too tired, on uneven ground, or in the dark.  The tinnitus is ever-present but can re-focus most of the time except in noisy environments.

Life is good.

Clarice

[Adrienne]

Retro end of May this year.  No side effects.  Headaches for about 7 weeks after surgery, but now-none.

[leapyrtwins]

I had retrosigmoid in May 2007.

I woke up with double vision, but that only lasted a day or two.  I had balance issues, dry mouth, metallic mouth, and dry eye for a couple of months - that that all went away.  I had slight facial paralysis for about a day post op (steroids took care of it).  I had no headaches - don't now either.

My only long-term, permanent side-effect is SSD (single-sided deafness) - but I have a BAHA implant and that helps a lot.

Jan

[Jim Scott]

Anna:

I addressed this on another thread of yours but I think it's worth repeating, here, since you've posed a direct question.

I underwent Retrosigmoid Approach AN surgery in June, 2006 (see my signature).  My neurosurgeon assured me that I wouldn't experience post-op headaches - and I did not.  He said that he uses a method ('sticky patches' + constant suction) to avoid leaving bone dust behind that can cause headaches.  He also claimed that he only moved my cerebellum a 'tiny bit', to further help avoid post-op headaches.  Of course, this is one AN specific patient's experience with one specific neurosurgeon.  I have to add the usual caveat - your results may vary. 

Jim

[texsooner]

Retrosigmoid for me in Aug-2008 and no headaches so far.....knocking on head(simulating wood) and hoping it doesn't give me a headache.

Patrick

[Kathy M]

Hi there!

I'm a retro gal too, and I had headaches a few days after I got home from the hospital that were pretty intense.  My surgeon put me back on steroids again for a week and I have not had the first headache since!!!!!

Kathy

[ombrerose4]

One week post op retosigmois approach. Having headaches and facial pain mostly in evening that becomes pretty intense at night. I see the neurosurgeon on Monday and hope there is relief ahead because I can't get a good night's sleep.

[AMD]

Retrosigmoid in Nov. 2008, no headaches until about 6 months post-op, then I get occasional weekend headaches.  some only for a few hours and others for most of the day.  i think neck strain is a common factor.  Tylenol usually helps.  If not, i try to sleep it off.  These headaches are different than normal headaches though.  They start out like sinus pressure behind my eyes, and then rotates around my head.  crazy, i know.  but i feel lucky that those are my only issues at this point given my other non-AN related complications.

[mll]

nine days post retrosigmoid and no headaches---knock on wood

[HeadCase2]

  I also had the retrosigmoid approach, and have not had problems with headaches. 
Regards,
  Rob

[nteeman]

Retrosigmoid in January '09,  no headaches.

Neal

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

Had the r/s... no headaches for 2 years after surgery... now these are starting up...

My concern is that the muscle has now started to grow into the titanium mesh that was placed over the craniotomy hole. 

I am curious as to "how many R/S  people got the headaches later on ... down the road also?"

DHM

[leapyrtwins]

DHM -

I hope I don't jinx myself by posting this, but I was 2 years post op in May 2009 and I still don't have headaches.

I also had titanium mesh with my craniotomy.

Jan