Hi folks,

I was put under general anaesthetic for a short while yesterday morning, for a lung biopsy. The procedure lasted about 20 minutes and I was brought out of the anaesthetic within about 30 mins.

It woke the Beast up big time. Yesterday and last night were hell. This morning is OK, so far anyway.

I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this?????

Thanks,

Peter.

Hey Peter,

Good question.  General anesthesia triggers neurogenic inflammation and that has a high probability of triggering CH... 

See the following link:

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There are also several posts indicating anesthesia triggered post operative CH here on CH.com.  Use the search box in the upper left corner of this screen and key in "General Anesthesia cluster headache trigger."  I got 36 hits.

Given the high probability of getting hit with a CH following general anesthesia, tell your doctor and anesthesiologist you're a CH'er before the procedure.  Ask about hyperventilating with 100% oxygen as soon as possible after surgery. 

Respiratory alkalosis and hyperoxia made possible by intentionally hyperventilating with 100% oxygen should help clear residual anesthesia and also help reduce neurogenic inflammation caused by the general andesthesia.

There are several studies that indicated a 40% drop in serum 25(OH)D concentrations following trauma, knee replacement and other types of surgery...  Accordingly, it's also a good idea to load up on Vitamin D3 for a few days to a week prior to elective surgery. 

Be sure to ask about taking Omega-3 fish oil and vitamin K2 when you go in for the pre-op brief. Most surgeons will want you to come off these two supplements 24 to 48 hours prior to surgery.

Take care and please keep us posted.

V/R, Batch

Hi Peter....

Yup....life is a little more complicated with CH. I had exactly this concern when having surgery last January. During the pre-surgery meet with the anesthesiologist I expressed it.... and to my surprise and delight she told me she knew exactly what ch was (having done a neuro rotation). Going over the proposed meds to be used I noticed nitrous oxide...a trigger for many. She readily agreed it was.... removed it from the cocktail....told me they would have O2 readily available anyway and asked if I had an abort available. I did...Zomig NS. All went well...no hit...and I met an enlightened medical professional.


Sorry you found out the hard way on this but thanks for bringing it up so other family members
WON'T... and I hope the biopsy was fruitful with negative results.

Best

Jon

Hey Batch & Jon,

Thanks for the comments. I read through the stuff on the link,
Batch, and it seems that lots of people had different experiences. Nothing new there, with CH.

Jon, I'm glad you had such a good experience with with your recent surgery. If I need further invasive  treatment I will certainly discuss the D3 Regimen with the Consultant.

Keep well.

Peter.