May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Headaches Headache Post Lumbar Puncture
Headache Post Lumbar Puncture |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I had a lumbar puncture to confirm viral meningitis on Feb 7th. Ever since that I have had a headache, ranging from pain level of 2-3 on a scale of 10. After reading information, I believe I may have a CSF leak, will this heal on its own or should I pursue a blood patch. Otherwise I am a healthy 49 year old surfer, triathlete, runner with a 40 hour a week job. Dear Andrea: Headaches are the most common side effect of the lumbar puncture (15% to 50%), they occur because there is continued leakage of CSF, that cannot be replace soon enough causing a decrease in the intracranial pressure, which leads to traction on pain-sensitive structures. Usually is self limited, the management is symptomatic (rest and painkillers), but is persists the definitive treatment is done with the epidural blood patching technique which in general is safe and effective. Disabling headache after seven days of the procedure should be considered for an epidural blood patch. If after the headache persists after the epidural blood patch, it would be important to rule out other causes as: vein thrombosis, subdural haematoma, and meningitis, for example. |
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 25 March 2011 ) |
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