Post lumbar puncture headaches, also known as post-dural puncture headaches (PDPH), refer to persistent headaches that develop after a lumbar puncture procedure. A lumbar puncture is a medical procedure involving the insertion of a needle into the spinal canal in the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Post lumbar puncture headaches are characterized by a throbbing or pounding sensation in the head, typically occurring within 48 hours after the procedure. The headaches are commonly located in the frontal or occipital regions and may worsen when standing or sitting upright. They can be accompanied by other symptoms, including neck stiffness, nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light or sound, and blurred vision.
The main cause of post lumbar puncture headaches is a leakage of CSF through the puncture site due to an inadequate closure of the puncture hole created during the procedure. This leakage results in a decrease in CSF pressure, leading to the characteristic headaches. Risk factors for developing post lumbar puncture headaches include younger age, female gender, the use of larger bore needles, multiple needle insertions, and the presence of certain medical conditions such as connective tissue disorders.
Treatment for post lumbar puncture headaches usually begins with conservative measures such as bed rest, increased fluid intake, caffeine, and pain-relieving medications. If these methods fail to provide relief, an epidural blood patch may be performed. This involves injecting the patient's own blood into the epidural space to seal the puncture site and restore CSF pressure.
Although post lumbar puncture headaches can be distressing, they are generally self-limiting and resolve within a few days to a few weeks with appropriate treatment. However, in some cases,
