Low Incidence of Post-Lumbar Puncture Headache in 1,089 Consecutive Memory Clinic Patients

Abstract

Aim: To examine the incidence of post-lumbar puncture headache (PLPH) in patients admitted for cognitive disturbances. Methods: The incidence of PLPH and other general (subdural hematoma, meningitis, encephalitis) or local (local pain, spinal hematoma, local infection) complications was evaluated in 1,089 consecutive patients (aged 23–89 years) who underwent lumbar puncture as a part of the routine diagnostic evaluation between February 2001 and March 2007 at a specialized memory clinic. Results: 28 (2.6%) of the patients reported PLPH of mild severity. No other local or general complications occurred. Conclusions: The incidence of PLPH in patients with cognitive disturbances is low and CSF analyses can thus be part of the diagnostic work-up at memory clinics.