Have you come across a patient complaining of a severe headache after a lumbar puncture? Well, the answer to this common question is also very common. The fact is most of the clinicians have come across this presentation in many cases. The article provides a strategy to manage that headache. Lumbar puncture (LP) is one of the most common invasive diagnostic tests. However, it is not only used for diagnostic purpose but also for anesthesia and during medical emergencies.
The procedure involves drawing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spine which provides critical diagnostic information. The procedure carries many risks and should be performed by a well-trained clinician. Many times after LP, patients present with a headache. This headache is known as post-lumbar puncture headache (PLPHA) or post-dural puncture headache. According to the Headache Classification Committee of the…
