Migraine after catheter ablation

[Physalis]

I had my ablation two weeks ago. I was ill the next morning, didn't feel like eating normally for four days and had an attack of migraine every single day for eleven days, some were worse than others. I thought it was just me and I ended up in A&E on the fifth day. I was given Sumatriptan tablets. It was only on the eighth day that I googled "migraine after cathether ablation" and found that it happened to about 1-2% of patients. I also found your leaflet Bob and the fact that you mentioned migraine aura seems to show that it is more common than that. You say that "It results from the transseptal puncture needed to gain access from the right to left atria” but I didn't have that as I had a hole in the heart already, a patent foramen ovale I think it's called. The doctor said they hadn't needed to drill a hole through.

I think I will be alright from now on and I have had no atrial fibrillation since so that is good. Previously I had Afib for 24-30 hours at a time.

[BobD Volunteer]

There is some thought that "hole in heart" pre-disposes people to migraine. Apparently it is something tomdo with mixing used and fresh blood.

[CDreamer]

I also had a PFO and had been prone to disabling migraines since childhood. Funnily enough after my ablations (2 in quick succession) I had mild migraine auras once or twice but have never had such a migraine since.

Ask your EP if theynperformed a ‘bubble’ test which tests for the mixing of fresh/used blood through the septal. Mine did one as soon as they found the PFO saying that if that happens then it would need to be patched. Mine was clear so didn’t need patching so they left well alone - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it approach.

Speculation only but worth discussing with your specialist. I have to say I was eating my dinner an hour after my ablation I was so hungry, interesting how we all react very differently.

My understanding is that about 1 in 5 people In the population have a PFO which fails to heal after birth but in most people causes no problems. ‘Blue’ babies where is does cause a problem are operated on at birth. A lot of the research on this came from the diving industry as it was thought to be dangerous to dive with a PFO but I didn’t know and used to dive frequently and it caused no problems. The advice I believe has changed recently.

Best wishes for lasting NSR, take it easy now as it can take longer to recover than the doctors indicate.

[Physalis in reply to CDreamer]

No, we're not that different. After my ablation they brought me a sandwich and I wolfed it down and then two cups of tea which I really appreciated. I was perfectly happy there all day and it was only when the nurse stood me up ready to go home that things started going a bit wrong. I said I didn't feel well and a bit sick so she sat me down again and it took an hour and a half until my blood pressure came up to a level where I could go home. A doctor did an ultrasound to be sure I was not bleeding internally. It was then that he told me that I had a hole in my heart. I wished I'd asked them what my low blood pressure was and if they'd sewed up the hole but I didn't. Five days later at the A&E dept I was amazed when the doctor said my bp was 192 over something and my eyebrows must have shot up. My daughter said that it was white coat syndrome but that's a big jump. Two days later my bp was 115/56. My doctor asked for 12 readings over four days and they ranged from 123/58 to 152/73. Not sure what that's all about. I don't think she'll get back to me.

I'm very grateful for the info on the bubble test. I will wait until everything settles down and then I will email the consultant who did the ablation.

After a fortnight with no AFib it started yesterday evening and lasted six hours. It was a bit disappointing but it was not totally unexpected. My heart really was pounding. However, I feel quite normal today which is good.

[Roto]

I've had the curse of migraine since a young age, the abalation didnt make any difference in my case...wish you well though..

[tooh]

Apparently a common effect after ablation. I suffered severe migraine after an ablation 8 months ago. They continued daily for almost 2 months. Just when they were starting to ease i had a Watchman Device implant which required the septal puncture again. I awoke from the anaesthetic with the most incredible migraine with aura. I have to say that for me the persistant migrains were the worst experience of the ablation process.

On a positive note, they do ease as the septum heals over. Its a shame that patients are not made aware of this as it would alleviate a lot of worry and stress. It was only through researching and finding this forum that i was able to find this infomation and realize i would be ok as this was a common experience.

Take care.

[lovetogarden]

I’ve had a few visual aura migraines this time around. And once whenas I was coming out anesthesia, I pulled the mask off on called out ‘ocular migraine’. They slapped the mask back on and knocked me out again! 😂 it is reassuring to know they’re not uncommon.

[Easternmost]

Hello,

I had an ablation on Monday and 3 days later I feel okay, but a headache that has come and gone and some shoulder discomfort. I understand that the inflammation can cause this, I was interested to know if your migraines have stopped and how you are feeling generally please?

[Physalis in reply to Easternmost]

There are headaches and headaches. Migraine is caused by the blood vessels in the brain expanding whereas in ordinary headaches the blood vessels constrict. Do you normally have migraine? If you do then you will probably recognise it. I gather that migraine after ablation only affects about 2% but lots of people have the aura or flashes of light etc.

The migraines I had after ablation, one attack each day went on for eleven days and then it stopped and after a few more days I was back to normal and haven't had one since.

It's been over three months now and my AFib has gone so I am very pleased that I had it done. I feel fine.

[Easternmost]

Thank you for taking the time to reply - it is very interesting to hear of other experiences. I have had migraines before and the one I had was no worse. I am actually feeling brighter tonight.

I’m so glad that you have had a positive outcome.

Wishing you all the very best.