Postdural Puncture Headache Research Articles

CT-Guided Epidural Contrast Injection for the Identification of Dural Defects.

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is an increasingly recognized cause of chronic headache. Outside of clinical history and myelography that requires an additional dural puncture, there is no reliable diagnostic test to evaluate for persistent dural defects. We describe the injection of iodinated contrast into the dorsal epidural space under CT guidance in five patients as a potential tool to visualize persistent dural defects.ABBREVIATIONS: PDPH = post-dural puncture headache; SIH = spontaneous intracranial hypotension; DSM = digital subtraction myelography; CTM = CT myelography.

Post-dural Puncture Headache: A Comparative Study Using 25 G Quincke's Needle in Midline and Paramedian Approaches in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section.

Background and objectives Spinal anesthesia (SA) has become a preferred anesthetic technique for elective cesarean sections due to its rapid onset, profound sensory and motor blockade, and minimal impact on the newborn. It lowers the risk of development of thrombus in the veins and pulmonary vessels and permits early ambulation. The most popular technique used to reach the subarachnoid space is the midline technique, though it can be challenging to use in some cases, including those involving elderly patients with degenerative abnormalities in the vertebral column, patients who are unable to flex the vertebral column, noncooperative patients, and hyperestheticpatients. The paramedian technique resolves the challenges posed by the midline technique. It is also relatively easy to carry out. Based on the midline technique's inadequacies, we hypothesized that the paramedian method of SA would be less complicated than the midline approach, with a relatively low occurrence of post-dural puncture headaches (PDPH). Methodology Using the midline and paramedian approaches during cesarean surgeries, we performed an observational descriptive longitudinal study to assess the occurrence and magnitude of PDPH. During an elective cesarean delivery, the seated patient received 2.0-2.5 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine using the midline or paramedian approaches and a 25 G Quincke's needle at the L3-L4 level. Eighty-four pregnant females with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II, aged 18 to 35 (n = 42 in each group), were included in this research. The occurrence and severity of PDPH were compared among thegroups during a period of five days. Result In comparison to the paramedian group (7.1%), the midline group had a higher incidence of PDPH (14.3%). There was a significant correlation between the technique and the occurrence of PDPH (p = 0.041). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was employed to quantify pain five days after surgery. Pain levels in Group B (paramedian) were consistently less than those in Group A (midline). On day 1, Group B had a mean score of 0.49 ± 1.16 (p = 0.030) compared to Group A's mean VAS score of 1.27 ± 1.95. Day 5 (p = 0.032): Because this tendency persisted through day 5, the p-values for days 2, 3, 4, and 5 remained significant. These findings suggest that the midline technique is linked to a higher occurrence and magnitude of PDPHthan the paramedian approach. Conclusion Employing a paramedian technique has been associated with a noteworthy decline in the frequency of PDPH and a decrease in the need for additional analgesics, which could lead to a less severe case of PDPH. The paramedian approachneeded fewer attempts and needle passes, which leads to a lower incidence of headache, backache, and injection site pain and better patient satisfaction.

Prophylactic cosyntropin after unintentional dural puncture and incidence of post-dural puncture headache and epidural blood patch use: A retrospective cohort study (2019–2022)

BackgroundCosyntropin has been suggested to decrease the incidence of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) by increasing the production of cerebrospinal fluid. This study examined the association of prophylactic cosyntropin administration with the incidence of PDPH and its management with an epidural blood patch after an unintentional dural puncture (UDP). MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of cases with UDP during placement of neuraxial labor analgesia. Per institutional practice and at the discretion of the anesthesiologist, intravenous cosyntropin 1 mg may be administered for PDPH prophylaxis. PDPH, time from UDP to cosyntropin administration, time to development of PDPH, and management with epidural blood patch(es) were recorded. ResultsCosyntropin was administered in 164 of 234 (70%) cases with UDP. PDPH occurred 98/164 (60%) with cosyntropin and 45/70 (64%) without cosyntropin (p = 0.66). The PDPH adjusted incidence was 53% with cosyntropin and 62% without cosyntropin, difference 9% (95% CI −6% to 24%, p = 0.25). The adjusted epidural blood patch rate was 66% with cosyntropin and 78% without cosyntropin, difference of 12% (95% CI −5% to 28%, p = 0.17). ConclusionsProphylactic cosyntropin following UDP was not associated with a significant decrease in PDPH rate or use of epidural blood patch for management of PDPH. There was no significant difference in the rate of adverse hyperglycemic or hypertensive events amongst those who did or did not receive cosyntropin.

Diagnostic and therapeutic insights in individuals with persistent post-dural puncture headache: A cross-sectional study.

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a frequent complication following lumbar puncture, epidural analgesia, or neuraxial anesthesia. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition categorizes PDPH as a self-limiting condition; however, emerging evidence, including our findings, suggests that PDPH can have a prolonged course, challenging this traditional view. To elucidate the diagnostic characteristics and treatment outcomes of persistent PDPH (pPDPH), offering insights into its demographic profiles and diagnostic features. We executed an anonymous, web-based survey targeting individuals aged ≥18 years diagnosed with or suspected of having pPDPH. Recruitment occurred through self-help groups on Facebook. The survey comprised questions regarding diagnostic procedures, treatment regimens, outcomes, and healthcare consultation. The survey achieved a response rate of 179/347 (51.6%) individuals completing the questionnaire. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks were confirmed in nine of 179 (5.0%) cases. Signs of intracranial hypotension without a CSF leak were observed in 70/179 (39.1%) individuals. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain and spine, with computed tomography myelography performed in 113/179 (63.1%) cases. Medications, including analgesics, theophylline, and gabapentin, provided minimal short-term relief. Epidural blood patch treatments resulted in slight-to-moderate short-term improvement in 136/179 (76.0%), significant improvement in 22/179 (12.3%), and complete effectiveness in eight of 179 (4.5%) individuals. For long-term outcomes, slight-to-moderate improvement was reported by 118/179 (66.0%) individuals. Surgical interventions were carried out in 42/179 (23.5%) patients, revealing pseudomeningoceles intraoperatively in 20/42 (47.6%) individuals. After surgery, 21/42 (50.0%) of the participants experienced slight-to-moderate improvement, 12/42 (28.6%) showed more pronounced improvement, and five of the 42 (11.9%) achieved complete effectiveness. This study underscores the complexities of managing pPDPH. The delay in diagnosis can impact the effectiveness of treatments, including epidural blood patch and surgical interventions, resulting in ongoing symptoms. This underscores the importance of tailored and adaptable treatment strategies. The findings advocate for additional research to deepen the understanding of pPDPH and improve long-term patient outcomes.

Ultrasound‐assisted and landmark‐based nusinersen delivery in spinal muscular atrophy adults: A retrospective analysis

AbstractIntroduction/PurposeNusinersen, the first treatment approved for all spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) types, is administered intrathecally through lumbar puncture. We used ultrasound assistance or a landmark‐based technique to access the lumbar intrathecal space in adult SMA patients. This study aimed to evaluate the technical success and adverse events (AEs) in such patients using either technique over a long observation period.MethodsFifty‐one adult patients received 507 consecutive interlaminar nusinersen administrations. Patients presented with both ‘uncomplicated spines’ or ‘complicated spines’; two patients had previous back surgery. Technical success and AEs were recorded using either technique. A generalised linear mixed model was applied to evaluate predictors of technical success and complications.ResultsAn overall success rate of 99.6%, with only two procedures failing to reach the intrathecal space, and an overall optimal procedure rate of 90.3% have been reported. A total of 455 procedures (89.7%) were uneventfully performed. One (0.2%) case of severe AE (puncture of a bulky abdominal annexal cyst) was recorded. Twenty‐seven episodes (5.3%) of post‐dural puncture headache (PDPH) and 24 episodes (4.7%) of radicular or back pain, both successfully treated with medical therapy, have also been reported. Technical success was significantly associated with ‘complicated spines’ (P = 0.022) and the use of ultrasound assistance (P = 0.01), and the use of ultrasound was the only independent predictor of uncomplicated procedures (P = 0.007).DiscussionIn adult patients with SMA both landmark‐based and ultrasound‐assisted techniques are safe and effective even in the long term. The use of assistance is associated with technical success and can predict uncomplicated procedures.ConclusionOur results support the use of ultrasonography in order to improve the success and reduce the burden of nusinersen intrathecal administration.

Effects of Continuous versus Single Dose Spinal Anesthesia in Octogenarians Undergoing Hip Surgery: Randomized Control Trial

Abstract Background Continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) is an anesthetic technique that offers several clinical advantages for anesthesia and analgesia in elderly patients. The level of sensory blockade can be titrated to the desired dermatomal level with great precision with intrathecal (IT) catheters, allowing better control of the hemodynamic consequences of sympathetic blockade associated with spinal anesthesia compared to epidural or single shot spinal techniques. Octogenarians are expected to suffer more from hemodynamic instability with spinal anesthesia. Objective The primary outcome is to compare the incidence of hypotension (defined as decrease in mean arterial blood pressure > 20% from the base line) in continuous spinal anesthesia CSA versus single dose spinal anesthesia in octogenarians undergoing hip surgery. The secondary outcome is to determine the total use of vasopressor (Ephedrine) and the incidence of spinal complications as nausea, vomiting and post Dural puncture headache. Methods This is a randomized controlled clinical trial done at Ain-shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt within a period of 6 months from approval of medical ethics committee. Twenty patients in CSA group received increments of (0.5 ml) of plain bupivacaine 0.5% until T10 level blockade is achieved. Twenty patients in SDA group received single shot of (2.5ml) of bupivacaine 0.5%. Results The main finding of this study is that while MAP was significantly lower between 5-35 minutes (<0.001), it was significantly higher between 40-75 minutes in SDA group than CSA group (0.05).Total bupivacaine dose was significantly higher in SDA (12.5±0.8) group than CSA group (7.6±1.3) (p < 0.001). The total ephedrine dose needed was significantly higher in the SDA group (19.5 ±11.3) than in CSA group (4.5±1.7) (p.0.006). Conclusion The main finding of this study is that for octogenarians undergoing hip surgery, while MAP was significantly lower between 5-35 minutes, it was significantly higher between 40-75 minutes in single dose spinal anesthesia group than continuous spinal anesthesia group. Episodes of bradycardia were similar in both groups. The bupivacaine dose as well as total ephedrine dose was significantly higher in SDA group than CSA group. Groups were similar in the incidence of postoperative complications related to the neuraxial blockade. The impact of these changes on the overall cardiovascular status and outcome in octogenarians undergoing hip surgery could not be determined from our study design.

Does Preoperative Coffee Consumption Prevent Intraoperative Hypotension in Cesarean Section Surgeries?

In this study, we evaluated the effects of a cup of coffee given to patients before surgery in a cesarean section by means of intraoperative hypotension, ephedrine requirement, and the incidence of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). A total of 140 patients undergoing elective cesarean sectionwith spinal anesthesia were included in this study. Participants who drank a single cup of filtered coffee two hours before spinal anesthesia were included in the coffee group, and those who drank water were in the control group. In each group, 70 patients were included. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded every three to five minutes after spinal anesthesia. Intraoperative use of ephedrine was recorded. The PDPH was monitored for three days. The incidence of intraoperative hypotension was 48.6% in the coffee group and 71.4% in the control group (p = 0.006). The rate of ephedrine usage (25.7%) was significantly lower in the coffee group (p = 0.001). The incidence of PDPH in the first 24 hours (2.9%) was significantly lower in the coffee group (11.4%). The visual analog scale (VAS) score was similar between groups (p = 0.048, p > 0.05). Consumption of a single cup of coffee before spinal anesthesia reduced the incidence of intraoperative hypotension and the rate of ephedrine usage in cesarean sections.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome After Inadvertent Dural Puncture Vs Bupivacaine-Induced Adverse Drug Reaction: A Case Report

A case involving a 29-year-old female patient with a known case of hypothyroidism at 38 weeks gestation. She developed a fronto-occipital, postural type of headache. This ensued on the second postoperative day after undergoing an unintended dural puncture with the introducer needle during spinal anesthesia for an elective cesarean section. It was initially treated as a post-dural puncture headache until she developed generalized tonic–clonic seizures the next day. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain exhibited features of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). With anticonvulsants and antibiotics, the neurological symptoms subsided, and the patient was discharged home symptom-free. We call attention to the importance of suspecting PRES in obstetric cases with an inadvertent dural puncture in a normotensive patient. Neuroimaging plays a crucial role in making a diagnosis of headaches, especially during the peripartum period. Lastly, keeping in view, the potential medicolegal implications in such cases, further research seems vital, especially in the Asian population.

Pattern, Interventions and Outcome of Post-Dural Puncture Headache Among Obstetric Patients in Ibadan

Background: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a complication of dura mater puncture. PDPH poses a problem in postpartum women; hence, there is a need to identify and promptly treat it using highly effective, non-invasive techniques that can be easily implemented in low-resource settings to reduce the burden and associated morbidity. Objective: To examine the interventions and outcomes of PDPH among women who had a subarachnoid block for obstetric indications at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted among women with a subarachnoid block for obstetric indications. A semi-structured interviewer-administered data collection form was used to assess pain at the onset of the headache and followed up to 72 hours post-treatment. Results: This study evaluated 26 pregnant women with PDPH. Most respondents (18; 69.2%) were ≥30 years old, had a normal BMI of 11 (42.3%), and 26.9% of the women had a prior history of PDPH. Subarachnoid block was performed by a registrar in 24 (92.3%) women. The majority (22; 84.6%) had only one attempt at dural puncture, all in a sitting position with the 25G-sized spinal needle in 96.2%. The headache was incapacitating in 9 (34.6%) cases and got worse in the upright position in 23 (88.5%) women. Conclusion: PDPH is a notorious morbidity in parturients, and steps should be taken to minimise the duration and effects of the condition. Prevention, prompt identification, diagnosis, and proactive treatment are desirable.

Ambulation During Neuraxial Analgesia in Obese Patients: A Pilot Study

Objective: Obese patients are known to have prolonged labors and an increased risk of cesarean delivery in comparison to their normal weight counterparts. Movement has previously been shown to have beneficial effects on the labor process; however, neuraxial analgesia is often recommended in obese women and in common practice limits mobility. The benefits of continuing to ambulate during neuraxial analgesia are not known. As prior studies have postulated a soft tissue dystocia as a potential etiology for prolonged labor among obese patients, ambulation and encouraged movement throughout the labor process may be of particular benefit for these patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ambulation with neuraxial analgesia in nulliparous obese patients admitted for labor. Study Design: This is a pilot study conducted at a single tertiary care center. Patients with a BMI of >=35 were approached if they were nulliparous, term, and planned vaginal trial of labor. Patients were excluded if there were contraindications to ambulation, including magnesium administration. Participants were identified at >=34 weeks estimated gestational age through clinic templates and induction of labor schedules, and were approached either in person or with a standard phone consent. Combined spinal-epidural analgesia was initiated per our institution’s policy, with the exception that during the latter portion of the study the test dose was eliminated in order to decrease the immediate motor block from this dose. Following epidural catheter placement, serial blood pressure measurements and motor assessments were completed to ensure safety including a straight leg test and a step stool test. Patients who passed these assessments were enrolled in the trial. Patients were encouraged to ambulate for 20 minutes of every hour while maintained on fetal and uterine telemetry. Ambulation was discouraged after complete dilation. Demographics and delivery outcomes were collected. Results: 105 patients were identified for consent for the trial, of whom 20 were ineligible for the study, 20 were not approached, and 40 declined study participation, leaving 25 patients who were consented. Of those 25, 14 completed the study. Reasons for not completing the study included ineligible by motor assessment, BMI less than 35 at time of delivery admission, preterm delivery, withdrawal, complete dilation at time of epidural without time to ambulate, magnesium administration during labor. A total of 14 participants were enrolled in the pilot trial, of which 11 were able to ambulate. The average BMI of participants was 43 kg/m2. Patients received epidural analgesia at a median cervical dilation of 4 cm and the average time from initiation of epidural analgesia to delivery was 15.4 hours. 65% of patients enrolled had a cesarean delivery. Of the 5 patients with a vaginal delivery, there was 1 shoulder dystocia. The median time spent ambulating was 58.5 minutes, with a range of 20-230 minutes. No patients fell during the trial. While one patient developed a spinal headache, it was not thought to be related to ambulation. Conclusions: A pilot trial of ambulation during neuraxial analgesia demonstrated no safety concerns among an obese nulliparous population. This pilot study was underpowered and is not designed to determine if there is an effect of ambulation with neuraxial analgesia on mode of delivery. Strengths of this study were interdisciplinary collaboration and biologic plausibility of decreased cesarean delivery through ambulation. Limitations included a low enrollment rate and the COVID pandemic, which halted the study as well as limited patients from being able to ambulate in the hallways. A larger study is needed to assess the efficacy of this intervention.

Theophylline versus NSAID in the Treatment of Postdural Puncture Headache in Obstetric Patients

Theophylline versus NSAID in the Treatment of Postdural Puncture Headache in Obstetric Patients

Management of Post Dural Puncture Headache During Spinal Cord Stimulation Trials: A Review of Current Literature.

The purpose of this review is to evaluate, discuss and explain the current literature regarding management of post dural puncture headaches (PDPH) during spinal cord stimulation (SCS) trials. Although an epidural blood patch (EBP) remains the gold standard in treatment of PDPH, current literature describes other modalities including various peripheral nerve blocks and pharmacological treatments to reduce PDPH symptoms. PDPH management in SCS centers around conservative treatment and EBP. It has been shown that some practitioners choose prophylactic measures and/or an EBP at the time of the lead placement. Recent literature regarding obstetric anesthesia related PDPH management has included newer potential modalities for addressing symptom improvement that can also be applied to PDPH from SCS trial dural punctures. Due to limited data overall, further studies are needed to effectively provide a guideline on optimal treatment protocols for PDPH after dural puncture in SCS trials.

Incidence of post-dural lumbar puncture headache (PDLPH) in comparison between emergency and elective lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) with 26G Quincke-Babcock cutting-beveled spinal needle.

C-section is usually performed under spinal anesthesia also known as a subarachnoid block (SAB) over general anesthesia. Because of the lesser amount of dose used, there is a lower risk of local anesthetic toxicity and minimal transfer of drugs to the fetus. Obstetric patients have a higher risk of having post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). PDPH occurs due to leakage of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the hole created by a spinal needle. There are many elements affecting the frequency of PDPH, these elements can also consist of age, female sex, needle size, and types, pregnancy, preceding records of PDPH, median-paramedian distinction in approach, a puncture level. PDPH is commonly in the form of a frontal, occipital, or retro-orbital headache that starts in 12-72 h after the dural puncture and will increase when standing and decrease when lying down or resting. We aimed to learn about headache frequency between elective and emergency lower segment cesarean section using 26-G Quincke spinal needle in full-term pregnant patients. To study the incidence of PDPH using the 26G Quincke spinal needle. To analyze the causal factors/determinants such as adequate preloading of fluids, size of spinal needle, number of pricks, and technique of lumbar puncture effects on the incidence of PDPH. This study is a prospective questionnaire-based comparative observational study using the convenience sampling method. The patients were interviewed with a structured questionnaire at the Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre, Lavale, Pune. The patients observed for the study were between 20 and 40 of age group, posted for emergency or elective lower segment cesarean section, with body mass index (BMI) less than 14.5 to 24.9 and with ASA I and II grades. Patients with any comorbidities, recurrent headaches, obesity, and spine deformity were excluded. According to the review of the literature and with the help of a formula, the sample size was calculated as 20; 10 patients for elective LSCS, and 10 patients for emergency LSCS. Out of 20 patients, 10 patients were posted for elective LSCS, and the rest 10 patients were for emergency LSCS under spinal anesthesia. The incidence of PDPH was found only in 2 out of 10 emergency LSCS patients, and no patients from elective LSCS cases showed up with the incidence of PDPH.

Management of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak After Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Procedures in Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy: A Retrospective Study.

Epidural blood patches (EBPs) are frequently performed in children with cerebral palsy (CP) to manage post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after intrathecal baclofen pump (ITBP) placement or replacement procedures. The purpose of our study was to review the incidence and management of CSF leak following ITBPplacement or replacement procedures in children with CP. The study was a retrospective review of 245 patients representing 310 surgical cases of baclofen pump insertion (n=141) or reinsertion (n=169) conducted at a 125-bed children's hospital with prominent specialty orthopedics surgical cases. Demographic and clinical information was obtained from the anesthesia pain service database on all new ITBP placement and subsequent replacements over an eight-year period. The overall incidence of CSF leak in our population was 16% (50 of 310) and 18% (25 of 141) with a new ITBP placement.Children with diplegia were associated with a threefold risk of developing CSF leak. Of patients who developed CSF leak (n=50), 68% (n=34) were successfully treated conservatively, while 32% (n=16) required EBPs.EBPs were successful in 87.5% (14 of 16) of patients at relieving PDPH on the first attempt. Conclusions:CSF leak is a known problem after ITBP placement and replacement. Most patients were successfully treated with conservative management and EBPs were successful in patients failing conservative therapy.Diagnosing PDPH in non-verbal patients can be challenging.

Effects on ondansetron of postdural puncture headache after cesarean section under spinal anesthesia

Background: Spinal anesthesia is commonly performed for cesarean section, however, postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is one of its most common adverse effects. Ondansetron is an antiemetic for cancer treatment and analgesia-induced nausea and vomiting. In this study, the authors aim to evaluate the effect of postoperative ondansetron on PDPH. Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial study, 120 pregnant patients are ASA ll, undergoing elective cesarean section, were randomized into two groups (placebo or study). The patients in the study group, immediately after the birth of a baby and 24 h after the operation, received ondansetron 4 mg IV while the placebo group received a placebo. The severity and incidence of headache, postoperative nausea and vomiting, dizziness, neck and lower back pain, and the use of analgesia was assessed in the two groups. Results: The significant meaning of the time effect (P<0.001) indicated that regardless of the group, for each unit increase in time, the chance of developing a headache increased by 23%, which was statistically significant. Also, the significant meaning of the group effect indicated that regardless of time, patients who did not take indomethacin had ~4.11 times higher chances of developing a headache compared to those who received the medication, which was statistically significant (P=0.004). Conclusion: The administration of ondansetron significantly reduces the occurrence of postspinal anesthesia headaches and neck pain. There was no significant difference in headache severity between the two study groups.

Pregabalin as Alternative to Epidural Blood Patch in Treatment of Postdural Puncture Headache: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Pregabalin as Alternative to Epidural Blood Patch in Treatment of Postdural Puncture Headache: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Chronic consequences of accidental dural puncture and postdural puncture headache in obstetric anaesthesia - sieving through the evidence.

Accidental dural puncture (ADP) and postdural puncture headache (PDPH) are relatively common complications of neuraxial anaesthesia and analgesia in obstetrics. Both may result in acute and chronic morbidity. This review intends to discuss the chronic implications of ADP and PDPH and raise awareness of severe and potentially life-threatening conditions associated with them. ADP may be associated with a high rate of PDPH, prolonged hospitalization and increased readmissions. Studies have shown that PDPH may lead to chronic complications such as post-partum depression (PPD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic headache, backache and reduced breastfeeding rates. There are many case reports indicating that major, severe, life-threatening neurologic complications may follow PDPH in obstetric patients including subdural haematoma and cerebral venous thrombosis. Many clinicians still believe that ADP and PDPH are benign and self-limiting conditions whereas there may be serious and devastating consequences of both. It is imperative that all women with ADP and PDPH are appropriately diagnosed and treated.

Case Report on the Efficacy of Transnasal Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block for the Treatment of Severe Post-Dural Puncture Headache after Failed Subarachnoid Block

Case Report on the Efficacy of Transnasal Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block for the Treatment of Severe Post-Dural Puncture Headache after Failed Subarachnoid Block

Hemodynamic instability caused by pneumorrachis and pneumomediastinum following epidural analgesia: a case report

BackgroundPneumomediastinum and pneumorrachis are rare complications following epidural analgesia, that can either be asymptomatic or rarely can produce mild to moderate severity symptoms. Most reported cases regarding the presentation of these two entities with epidural analgesia concern asymptomatic patients, however there are cases reporting post-dural puncture headache and respiratory manifestations.Case presentationWe present a case where a combined lumbar epidural and spinal anesthesia was performed using the loss of resistance to air technique (LOR), on a 78-year-old Greek (Caucasian) male undergoing a total hip replacement. Despite being hemodynamically stable throughout the operation, two hours following epidural analgesia the patient manifested a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate that required the administration of adrenaline to counter. Pneumomediastinum, pneumorrachis and paravertebral soft tissue emphysema were demonstrated in a Computed Tomography scan. We believe that injected air from the epidural space and surrounding tissues slowly moved towards the mediastinum, stimulating the para-aortic ganglia causing parasympathetic stimulation and therefore hypotension and bradycardia.ConclusionAnesthesiologists should be aware that epidural analgesia using the LOR to technique injecting air could produce a pneumomediastinum and pneumorrachis, which in turn could produce hemodynamic instability via parasympathetic stimulation.

The Effect of Placement and Management of Intrathecal Catheters Following Accidental Dural Puncture on the Incidence of Postdural Puncture Headache and Severity: A Retrospective Real-World Study

(Anaesthesia. 2023;78:1256–1261) Previous studies have come to different conclusions about whether insertion of an intrathecal (IT) catheter after accidental dural puncture (ADP) during epidural anesthesia reduces complications. The most common complication is postdural puncture headache (PDPH), which can have short-term and long-term effects, including decreased breastfeeding and increased risk for postpartum depression, chronic headache, and backache. The usual treatment for PDPH is an epidural blood patch (EBP), which itself can have serious complications. Accidental dural puncture occurs in ∼0.5% to 1.0% of all epidurals. The authors of this study investigated whether IT catheter insertion was associated with a decreased risk of PDPH and a decreased need for EBP.