Description

Spinal headaches are a complication that is very common in those who undergo a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or spinal anesthesia. Both procedures require a puncture of the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and, in the lower part of the spine, the lumbar and sacral nerve roots.

During a lumbar puncture, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is removed from the spinal canal. During spinal anesthesia, medication is injected into the spinal canal to numb the nerves in the lower half of the body. If the loss of cerebrospinal fluid through the small site of the puncture, you can develop a spinal headache.

The majority of the headaches, spinal — also known as post-dural puncture headaches — resolved spontaneously without treatment. However, severe spinal headache that lasts for 24 hours or more may need to be treated.

Symptoms

Spinal headache symptoms include:

  • Dull, throbbing pain that varies in intensity from mild to very severe
  • The pain usually gets worse when you sit or stand and decreases or disappears when you lie down

Spinal headaches are often accompanied by:

  • Dizziness
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Hearing loss
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Seizures

When to see a doctor

Tell your doctor if you develop a headache after a lumbar puncture or spinal anesthesia — especially if the headache gets worse when sitting, or standing.

Causes

Spinal headaches are caused by leakage of fluid from the spinal cord through a hole in the hole in the membrane (dura) that surrounds the spinal cord. This leakage decreases the pressure exerted by the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and the spinal cord, which leads to a headache.

Spinal headaches that usually occur within 48 to 72 hours after a lumbar puncture or spinal anesthesia.

Sometimes epidural anesthesia may lead to a spinal headache as well. Although epidural anesthesia is injected just outside the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord, a spinal headache is possible if the membrane is wanting perforated.

Risk factors

Risk factors for headaches, spinal include:

  • Between the ages of 18 and 30
  • The fact of being a woman
  • The fact of being pregnant
  • Having a history of frequent headaches.
  • Undergoing procedures involving the use of needles larger or multiple perforations in the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord
  • Having a small body of mass

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask questions about your headache and do a physical exam. Be sure to mention any recent procedures — particularly a lumbar puncture or spinal anesthesia.

Sometimes, the doctor will recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out other causes of your headache. During the test, a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of the brain.

Treatment

The treatment for headaches spinal begins conservatively. Your healthcare provider may recommend getting rest, drinking lots of fluids, caffeine consumption, and take oral pain relievers.

If the pain does not improve within 24 hours, your healthcare provider may suggest a blood patch epidural. The injection of a small amount of blood in the space over the hole of the needle is often a blood clot forms to seal the hole, the restoration of the normal pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid and the relief of his headache. This is the usual treatment for the persistence of the spinal headaches that do not resolve on their own.

Preparing for your appointment

If you have recently had a spinal procedure and develop a headache that lasts for 24 hours or more, your provider can help you determine the severity of your condition. Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

  • Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Make a list of all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
  • Have a family member or friend along, if possible. Depending on your condition, you may need help getting to your appointment. And someone who accompanies you may remember the information that you lose or forget.
  • Write questions to ask their provider.

Preparation questions can help you make the most of your time with your provider. For a spinal headache, questions you might ask include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
  • There are other causes?
  • What tests do I need?
  • Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What alternatives are there to the approach that you're suggesting?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • Are there any restrictions I need to follow?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask any other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your provider is likely to ask you questions, such as:

  • When did your headache start?
  • Does your head pain get worse when you sit, stand, or lie down?
  • Do you have a history of headaches? What kind?
Symptoms and treatment of the spine of the headaches