Postdural Puncture Headache (PDPH) is an important iatrogenic cause of patient morbidity in anesthesia and pain management practice after attempted epidural block. The incidence of dural puncture ranges from 0.16% to 1.3% in experienced hands. Postdural puncture headache develops in 16%–86% after attempted epidural block with large bore needle s.
PDPH has been a problem for patients, following dural puncture. Clinical and laboratory research over the last 30 years has shown that use of small-gauge needles, particularly of the pencil-point design, is associated with a lower risk of PDPH than traditional cutting point needle tips. According the International Headache Society, the criteria for PDPH include a headache that develops in less than seven days after a spinal puncture, occurs or worsens in less than fifteen minutes after assuming the upright position, and improves less than…
