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. 2012:5:45-51.
doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S17834. Epub 2012 Jan 12.

Post-dural puncture headache

Ahmed Ghaleb  1 , Arjang Khorasani, Devanand Mangar
Affiliations

Post-dural puncture headache

Ahmed Ghaleb et al. Int J Gen Med. 2012.

Retraction in

Abstract

Since August Bier reported the first case in 1898, post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) has been a problem for patients following dural puncture. Clinical and laboratory research over the last 30 years has shown that use of smaller-gauge needles, particularly of the pencil-point design, are associated with a lower risk of PDPH than traditional cutting point needle tips (Quincke-point needle). A careful history can rule out other causes of headache. A postural component of headache is the sine qua non of PDPH. In high-risk patients < 50 years, post-partum, in the event a large-gauge needle puncture is initiated, an epidural blood patch should be performed within 24-48 hours of dural puncture. The optimum volume of blood has been shown to be 12-20 mL for adult patients. Complications caused by autologous epidural blood patching (AEBP) are rare.

Keywords: cause; gauge; incidence; needles; post-dural puncture headache; risk.

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