[Post-dural puncture headache: treatment and prevention]

Abstract

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common iatrogenic and incapacitating complication. Dural puncture can be intentional (spinal block, myelography,...) or accidental (epidural block). Risk factors are well described and the obstetric patient is at high risk for PDPH. The treatment of PDPH is not standardised. Many options have been proposed, but only the epidural blood patch has apparent benefits. A few measures have been suggested to prevent PDPH after unintentional dural puncture, but none has been shown to work with certainty.