Isolated tinnitus following placement of an intrathecal catheter for accidental dural puncture

Abstract

The use of an intrathecal catheter following inadvertent dural puncture has dramatically increased in the last few years. [1] Baraz R. Collis R.E. The management of accidental dural puncture during labour epidural analgesia: a survey of UK practice. Anaesthesia. 2005; 60: 673-679 Crossref PubMed Scopus (64) Google Scholar The results of a recent survey of UK practice suggest that the most common reasons for this change in practice are to avoid another dural puncture and to allow immediate analgesia for labour. Over half the respondents believed that there was a reduction in incidence and/or severity of post dural puncture headache (PDPH). [1] Baraz R. Collis R.E. The management of accidental dural puncture during labour epidural analgesia: a survey of UK practice. Anaesthesia. 2005; 60: 673-679 Crossref PubMed Scopus (64) Google Scholar The available evidence for the role of an intrathecal catheter in reducing PDPH is conflicting and there are no comparative data on less common manifestations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak such as visual or auditory symptoms. Thus, I would like to report a case of isolated tinnitus associated with the use of an intrathecal catheter for accidental dural puncture in labour analgesia.