A rational approach to the cause, prevention and treatment of postdural puncture headache

OBJECTIVE: To review the current research and formulate a rational approach to the cause, prevention and treatment of postdural puncture headache (PDPH). DATA SOURCES: Articles published from January 1980 to April 1992 were obtained through a search of MEDLINE and Index Medicus. Key reference articles published before 1980 were also reviewed. STUDY SELECTION: All pertinent studies were included and critically analysed. DATA SYNTHESIS: PDPH occurs when a slow leak of cerebrospinal fluid leads to contraction of the subarachnoid space and compensatory expansion of the pain-sensitive intracerebral veins. Female sex and an age between 20 and 40 years have been shown to be independent risk factors for PDPH, but pregnancy has not. The rate of PDPH is directly proportional to the diameter of the needle used and also depends on the design of the needle tip. Prophylactic epidural blood patching or saline infusion after dural puncture can decrease the incidence of PDPH, but both are invasive procedures. Intravenous caffeine sodium benzoate therapy effectively relieves PDPH, but the headache may recur. An epidural blood patch is an invasive but effective, permanent treatment for PDPH in most cases; resistant cases may respond to epidural saline infusion. CONCLUSION: The rate of PDPH after lumbar puncture can be minimized through strict attention to technique and the employment of a 25-gauge needle with the bevel parallel to the dural fibres. A reliable diagnosis and stepwise approach to treatment will minimize complications.