Titanium plate and headaches

[pmcollings]

Hi all,

I haven't been on here for awhile.  I had my AN removed almost 9 months ago.  Lately I have been experiencing daily headaches and noticed the titanium plate has sunken in a bit.  Went to my DR. yesterday and he confirmed it.  I can actually feel the edge of the plate behind my ear and some of my skull.  He told me he did not know if replacing it would help and we are going to keep an eye on it.
He could not say for sure this is what is causing my headaches.

My question is has anyone out there had this problem ? 

I do want to say thanks in advance. This page has helped me during my journey.  What a wonderful resource to have. 

Thanks all --- Pam

[TexasSprinter]

Pam--I had AN surgery last December.  Although I joined the AN forum earlier this year, I never visited the headache section because it was not an issue for me.  But in the last 2 months, I seem to get daily "zingers"--sharp pains that seem to come from the tumor area (unfortunately, most of my tumor is still there).  Sometimes I get them when coughing, but other times just randomly.  My doctors said it is fairly common and was not a cause for concern.  No idea what is causing them.  Anyway, thought your question deserved an answer, even if several months late!  I hope your headaches are getting less frequent.

[pmcollings]

Hi Texas Sprinter,

Thank you for the reply.  My headaches seem to be getting a bit better but I know things are still healing.  I'm sorry to hear about your zingers, it's no fun.  Hopefully one day we won't be dealing with this anymore ! 

[TexasSprinter]

Glad to hear things are getting better!

[pmcollings]

My doctor said the same thing but it just makes me wonder if it will ever get better.  I spoke with this gal that happened to be at my Niece's wedding last month.  Her mother had AN removed  6 years ago. Last year she had a CFS leak.  Kinda scary- how something like that could happen so much later.  Take care !

[deboline]

i had a similar issue and had the titanium mesh removed - a cranioplasty revision. I got relief immediately. The surgeon that did the revision stated that the mesh plate had become bent and nerves were entangled in the mesh - obvious reason for so much pain.

[pmcollings]

Deboline - I am happy to hear you had immediate relief.  I suppose I need to go see my dr. Pain in the area has now gotten worse.  Thank you everyone for responding. 

[leapyrtwins]

Titanium may or may not be your problem.  Although there's a possibility your headaches are being caused by your titanium, there's also a very good possibility that the titanium isn't a factor.

Lots of us - myself included - have titanium and don't experience headaches.  I have titanium screws, titanium mesh, and a titanium plate from my AN surgery, plus a titanium rod from my BAHA implant.

Before you resort to surgery you might want to read some of the posts in the Headaches section of this Forum for other ideas/options.

Best,

Jan