PDPH
Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a form of headache that occurs after puncture of the dura mater, most often following lumbar puncture or neuraxial anesthesia. It is characterized by a relief when lying flat and a worsening of pain when upright. The risk varies with the procedure, needle type and size, and patient factors; use of smaller-diameter, atraumatic (pencil-point) needles reduces the likelihood of PDPH.
Pathophysiology involves leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through the puncture site, leading to lowered intracranial pressure and
Clinical presentation usually includes a bilateral, throbbing headache that is most prominent when standing or sitting
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on temporal relation to a dural puncture and the orthostatic nature
Management begins with conservative measures such as adequate hydration, simple analgesics, and caffeine-containing beverages. Epidural blood
Prognosis is generally favorable; most PDPHs resolve within days to weeks, with rapid improvement after an