A report on Post-dural-puncture headache

Complication of puncture of the dura mater (one of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord).

- Post-dural-puncture headache

3 related topics with Alpha

Overall
Lumbar puncture in a sitting position. The reddish-brown swirls on the patient's back are tincture of iodine (an antiseptic).

Lumbar puncture

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Medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the spinal canal, most commonly to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic testing.

Medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the spinal canal, most commonly to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic testing.

Lumbar puncture in a sitting position. The reddish-brown swirls on the patient's back are tincture of iodine (an antiseptic).
Illustration depicting lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Spinal needles used in lumbar puncture.
Illustration depicting common positions for lumbar puncture procedure.
Lumbar puncture in a child suspected of having meningitis.
Lumbar puncture, early 20th century.

It is regarded as a safe procedure, but post-dural-puncture headache is a common side effect if a small atraumatic needle is not used.

Diagram of an epidural blood patch

Epidural blood patch

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Surgical procedure that uses autologous blood in order to close one or many holes in the dura mater of the spinal cord, usually as a result of a previous lumbar puncture or epidural.

Surgical procedure that uses autologous blood in order to close one or many holes in the dura mater of the spinal cord, usually as a result of a previous lumbar puncture or epidural.

Diagram of an epidural blood patch
Diagram of an epidural blood patch

The procedure can be used to relieve orthostatic headaches, most commonly post dural puncture headache (PDPH).

Backflow of cerebrospinal fluid through a 25 gauge spinal needle after puncture of the arachnoid mater during initiation of spinal anaesthesia

Spinal anaesthesia

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Form of neuraxial regional anaesthesia involving the injection of a local anaesthetic or opioid into the subarachnoid space, generally through a fine needle, usually 9 cm long.

Form of neuraxial regional anaesthesia involving the injection of a local anaesthetic or opioid into the subarachnoid space, generally through a fine needle, usually 9 cm long.

Backflow of cerebrospinal fluid through a 25 gauge spinal needle after puncture of the arachnoid mater during initiation of spinal anaesthesia
Schematic drawing showing the principles of spinal anaesthesia.

Post-dural-puncture headache or post-spinal headache - Associated with the size and type of spinal needle used. A 2020 meta analysis concluded that it is recommended to use the 26-G atraumatic hypodermic needle to lower the risk of PDPH.