What causes Postdural puncture headache?

What causes Postdural puncture headache?

Postdural puncture headache is a potential complication of a lumbar puncture, with symptoms caused by traction on pain-sensitive structures from low cerebrospinal fluid pressure (intracranial hypotension) following a leak of cerebrospinal fluid at the puncture site.

When does a post dural puncture headache start?

PDPH typically occurs hours to days after puncture and presents with symptoms such as headache (which is mostly bi-frontal or occipital) and nausea that typically worsen when the patient assumes an upright posture. The headache usually occurs 24–48 hours after puncture but may occur as many as 12 days after.

How long does post epidural headache last?

Outlook. In most cases, an epidural-related headache should clear within 7–10 days . Treatment with EBP has about an 85–90% success rate if a person needs more immediate relief. Some evidence suggests some people may develop chronic headaches following an epidural.

How do you reduce PDPH?

Insertion of cutting needles parallel to the long axis of the spine is an effective method of reducing the incidence of PDPH and is easily effected in clinical practice. The role of stylet reinsertion when using cutting needles has yet to be fully elucidated.

How do I know if I have runny nose or CSF?

Rhinorrhea (runny nose) that is clear and watery may be the first sign of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. 1 Other signs and symptoms may include: Headache. Salty or metallic taste in the mouth1.

How common are postpartum headaches during pregnancy?

Postpartum headaches are very common, developing in 39% of women, and tension and migraine headaches are more common in pregnant than non-pregnant women [10]. Therefore, when diagnosing PDPH in obstetric patients, it is important to exclude other causes of headache, such as functional headaches.

What is postdural puncture headache (PDPH)?

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common complication after inadvertent dural puncture. Risks factors include female sex, young age, pregnancy, vaginal delivery, low body mass index, and being a non-smoker. Needle size, design, and the technique used also affect the risk.

What are the signs and symptoms of postpartum headache (PDPH)?

The headache is usually positional (worse when upright, better when lying flat) and is often accompanied by neck stiffness, photophobia, nausea, or subjective hearing symptoms. This topic will review PDPH. Techniques for LP, spinal, epidural, and combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anesthesia are discussed separately.

Is it safe to treat headaches during pregnancy?

Headache is a very commonly encountered symptom in pregnancy and is usually due to primary headache disorders which are benign in nature. It can however be quite debilitating for some women who may need therapeutic treatment of which there are several options safe to use in pregnancy.

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