Postural Headache Research Articles

Successful venous thrombectomy for extensive cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis after failed diagnostic lumbar puncture.

With an incidence of 2-5 per million adults, cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rarity in the spectrum of cerebrovascular diseases. The etiology and symptomatic presentation are heterogeneous and diverse. CSVT is, therefore, often underdiagnosed. In addition to therapeutic anticoagulation, venous thrombectomy is a last-resort therapy in individual cases.A 42-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with postural headache following an unsuccessful lumbar puncture. On suspicion of post-puncture syndrome, analgesic therapy with adjuvant caffeine tablets was initially chosen, leading to rapid improvement and short-term discharge. However, only one day later, the patient presented with a significant worsening of her symptoms and new onset of paresthesia. Since distally accentuated paresis of the left arm also occurred within a very short period of time, a cerebral MRI examination was performed. This revealed an extensive CVST. Due to the extensive CVST and progressive worsening of symptoms, mechanical venous thrombectomy was discussed and performed on an interdisciplinary basis. Mechanical thrombectomy was successful and resulted in complete improvement of symptoms.The pathophysiological diagnosis is cerebrospinal fluid leak syndrome after unsuccessful lumbar puncture. According to the Monroe-Kellie doctrine, the loss of CSF leads to compensatory dilatation and venous stasis, which in combination can lead to venous insufficiency and promote prothrombotic conditions. Although the available data on the performance of venous thrombectomy suggest caution, there should always be sufficient discretion for individual decision making. As our experience shows, there is a chance of successful venous thrombectomy in the early phase of CVST. · CVST is a rarity in the spectrum of cerebrovascular diseases.. · The etiology and symptomatic presentation are heterogeneous and diverse.. · A rare cause is the loss of CSF.. · Mechanical venous thrombectomy is a possible treatment option.. · Döring K, Ratuszny D, Schuppner R et al. Successful venous thrombectomy for extensive cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis after failed diagnostic lumbar puncture. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2487-1371.

Abstract 291: Iatrogenic Intracranial Hypotension with Pseudomeningocele, CSF Fistula and CSF Leaks Following Dural Repair and Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement

Background Intracranial hypotension (IH) is a rare complication of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. It can occur either spontaneously (primary) or as a result of trauma or medical intervention (secondary or iatrogenic). The incidence of IH is approximately 5 per 10,000 cases annually. Iatrogenic IH can occur following procedures that involve dural injury, such as spinal surgery, spinal cord stimulator (SCS) lead migration, or lumbar puncture. Reduced CSF flow leads to a decrease in CSF volume and subsequent intracranial hypotension, manifesting as a postural headache. Diagnosis of a CSF leak or CSF venous fistula (CVF) is typically made using CT or MR myelography. Dynamic myelography is reserved for multiple level or high‐flow CSF leaks. Dural defects are commonly treated epidural blood patch or surgical repair. In CSF venous fistula (CVF), embolization therapy may be employed. Objective: We present a case of iatrogenic IH following traumatic dural injury due to SCS lead migration complicated by the development of a large pseudomeningocele, CVF and CSF leaks. Methods A 46‐year‐old female presented with disabling postural headaches. Her surgical history included an L4‐S1 posterior fusion and laminectomy complicated by durotomy and repair in 2003, followed by 2 epidural SCS placements and bilateral SI joint fusion. In 2010, she experienced intermittent headaches described as the worst of her life, which resolved after two months. Shortly before her current presentation, the headaches returned, accompanied by tinnitus, a sensation of underwater hearing, autonomic dysfunction, confusion, and brain fog, raising concern for a CSF leak. CT myelography revealed arachnoiditis and a large pseudomeningocele at L4‐L5, though no active CSF leak was identified. Nonetheless, the patient was referred to a CSF leak specialist and treated empirically with an epidural blood patch at T12‐L1, leading to cessation of her symptoms. Five months later, the patient suffered a fall, and her symptoms recurred. CT thoracic spine revealed migration of the lower SCS epidural lead into the thecal sac. A repeat CT myelogram showed a pseudomeningocele at the left L4‐L5 region with a possible extradural leak near the L4‐L5 pedicles and a CSF leak at the T12‐L1 SCS epidural lead. Due to suspected CSF leak at multiple levels, dynamic CT myelogram was employed. Dynamic CT myelogram revealed an expansion of contrast extravasation at the left L4‐L5 pedicles and vascular uptake of contrast in the left L4‐L5 neural foramina raising suspicion of a CVF versus systemic contrast absorption in the pseudomeningocele containing the CSF leak. The patient was treated with epidural blood patches at L3‐L4, L4‐L5, and T12‐L1, microsurgical repair of the pseudomeningocele with venous ligation, and a lumbar peritoneal shunt, which resulted in significant improvement of her postural headache symptoms. L4‐S1 posterior fusion revision was performed. SCS was unable to be removed due to fusion with the bone. Conclusion Iatrogenic IH can result from persistent, recurrent, or new CSF leaks even after dural repair. In patients who develop new or ongoing postural headaches following treatment, re‐evaluation of symptoms along with repeat CT myelography may be warranted to identify any underlying issues.

Endoscopic Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: The evolution of endoscopic techniques in spine has allowed novel approaches to various pathologies. We describe the use of endoscopy for repair of refractory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after lumbar puncture (LP). CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old female presented with refractory postural headaches after undergoing LP. The patient underwent 4 total epidural blood patches (EBPs) with minimal symptomatic relief. The LP opening pressure was found to be 18 cm of water, inconsistent with underlying pseudotumor cerebri. A myelogram demonstrated persistent CSF leak and contrast accumulation within the dorsal epidural space at L2-3. Endoscopic exploration was ultimately performed, which demonstrated well-placed EBPs; however, continuous CSF egressed from a pinhole site. This was repaired with coagulation using a radiofrequency probe, DuraSeal (Integra LifeSciences) and DuraGen (Integra LifeSciences). Postoperatively, the patient noted resolution of debilitating intracranial hypotension symptoms and was able to return to work. CONCLUSION: Postdural puncture headaches occur in about 1/3 of patients after LP. Symptoms are often debilitating and can include nausea, neck pain, dizziness, tinnitus, visual changes, and hearing loss. Multiple pharmacological and invasive treatments, such as EBP, have been used historically with success, but Postdural puncture headaches refractory to these interventions can put patients at risk for serious complications including seizures and subdural hematomas. We present the first reported case of an endoscopic approach to repair refractory CSF leak in the lumbar spine. Our approach highlights the potential of minimally invasive endoscopic techniques in the repair of refractory CSF leak from the puncture site after LP.

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction and Vertebral Artery Dissection Presenting as Positional Headache

Positional headache refers to a headache that worsens or improves with changes in posture. It is often secondary in nature, associated with various pathologies that may have serious consequences if left undiagnosed or untreated. The authors report a patient who complained of severe positional headache and was diagnosed with concurrent reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and vertebral artery dissection, thus highlighting the importance of considering such conditions in a patient with postural headaches.

Chronic Pediatric Headache as a Manifestation of Shunt Over-Drainage and Slit Ventricle Syndrome in Patients Harboring a Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion System: A Narrative Literature Review.

The main subject of the current review is a specific subtype of headache, which is related to shunt over-drainage and slit ventricle syndrome, in pediatric patients harboring an implanted shunt device for the management of hydrocephalus. This clinical entity, along with its impairment regarding the quality of life of the affected individuals, is generally underestimated. This is partly due to the absence of universally agreed-upon diagnostic criteria, as well as due to a misunderstanding of the interactions among the implicated pathophysiological mechanisms. A lot of attempts have been performed to propose an integrative model, aiming at the determination of all the offending mechanisms of the shunt over-drainage syndrome, as well as the determination of all the clinical characteristics and related symptomatology that accompany these secondary headaches. This subcategory of headache, named postural dependent headache, can be associated with nausea, vomiting, and/or radiological signs of slim ventricles and/or subdural collections. The ultimate goal of our review is to draw clinicians' attention, especially that of those that are managing pediatric patients with permanent, long-standing, ventriculoperitoneal, or, less commonly, ventriculoatrial shunts. We attempted to elucidate all clinical and neurological characteristics that are inherently related to this type of headache, as well as to highlight the current management options. This specific subgroup of patients may eventually suffer from severe, intractable headaches, which may negatively impair their quality of daily living. In the absence of any other clinical condition that could be incriminated as the cause of the headache, shunt over-drainage should not be overlooked. On the contrary, it should be seriously taken into consideration, and its management should be added to the therapeutic armamentarium of such cases, which are difficult to be handled.

Quantitative measurement of dural ectasia: associations with clinical and genetic characteristics in Marfan syndrome.

Dural ectasia (DE) may significantly impact Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients' quality of life due to chronic lower back pain, postural headache and urinary disorders. We aimed to evaluate the association of quantitative measurements of DE, and their evolution over time, with demographic, clinical and genetic characteristics in a cohort of MFS patients. We retrospectively included 88 consecutive patients (39% females, mean age 37.1 ± 14.2 years) with genetically confirmed MFS who underwent at least one MRI or CT examination of the lumbosacral spine. Vertebral scalloping (VS) and dural sac ratio (DSR) were calculated from L3 to S3. Likely pathogenic or pathogenic FBN1 variants were categorized as either protein-truncating or in-frame. The latter were further classified according to their impact on the cysteine content of fibrillin-1. Higher values of the systemic score (revised Ghent criteria) were associated with greater DSR at lumbar (p < 0.001) and sacral (p = 0.021) levels. Patients with protein-truncating variants exhibited a greater annual increase in lumbar (p = 0.039) and sacral (p = 0.048) DSR. Mutations affecting fibrillin-1 cysteine content were linked to higher VS (p = 0.009) and DSR (p = 0.038) at S1, along with a faster increase in VS (p = 0.032) and DSR (p = 0.001) in the lumbar region. Our study shed further light on the relationship between genotype, dural pathology, and the overall clinical spectrum of MFS. The identification of protein-truncating variants and those impacting cysteine content may therefore suggest closer patient monitoring, in order to address potential complications associated with DE.

A rare case of atraumatic CSF leak into brachial plexus elements

We present the case of a patient with unexplained postural headaches who was found to have an atraumatic Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leak from the foraminal and extraforaminal epidural spaces at the levels of C5-C6, C6-C7, C7-T1, and T1-T2, with contrast tracking along the brachial plexus elements as well as the bilateral scalene and paraspinal musculature. This is a rare presentation as the etiology was not connected to brachial plexus injury or surgical trauma but rather was a spontaneous occurrence. The patient was successfully treated with a CT-guided epidural blood patch that conferred complete resolution of the symptoms. We hope this case study offers clinical utility with the diagnosis and management of patients with orthostatic headaches.

Cerebrospinal fluid–lymphatic fistula in a child with generalized lymphatic anomaly treated with targeted blood patch — a rare case report and review of the literature

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension may result in debilitating postural headaches and severe neurological symptoms due to secondary cerebellar sagging. The most common cause is the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak within the spinal canal. Although previously reported in only a few cases, also paraspinal lymphatic malformations causing vertebral bone destruction may occasionally result in CSF leak to these pathological formations. Here, we present a case of a 9-year-old girl with generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA) presenting with severe postural headache. Radiological imaging revealed a typical feature of cerebellar sagging. Myelography localized the CSF leakage into vertebral bodies of C7 and Th1, which both were partly involved in pathological paravertebral masses of known lymphatic anomaly, and from there along the right C8 nerve root sleeve into the anomaly. As the C8-nerve root could not be ligated due to the risk of significant neurological injury, we attempted image-guided targeted percutaneous epidural placement of a blood patch directly into the foramen at the affected level. The procedure resulted in obliteration of the fistula and regression of cerebellar sagging, with significant relief of symptoms. Although it is an extremely rare coincidence, patients with paraspinal lymphatic malformations may develop intraspinal CSF leak into these pathological formations. The present case report suggests that besides a direct surgical obliteration of the fistula and sacrificing the nerve root, a targeted percutaneous epidural blood patch may be a possible alternative in the case of a functionally important nerve root.

Distinguishing Between Preeclampsia and Dural Puncture Headaches in a Postpartum Patient: A Challenging Diagnosis

This case report highlights the diagnostic challenges in distinguishing between postpartum headaches caused by preeclampsia and those caused by a suspected dural puncture in a patient with both conditions. The patient had a history of preeclampsia, was well-controlled with labetalol, and received epidural anesthesia using the Tuohy needle during labor. Six hours after delivery, she reported postural headaches, neck tension, and tinnitus, typical symptoms of dural puncture headaches. However, the patient eventually experienced a generalized tonic-clonic seizure and was diagnosed with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and intracranial hypotension. This case highlights the importance of considering multiple underlying factors when analyzing postpartum headaches and the need for prompt and appropriate management to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Complications profile following regional anesthesia: Comparative analysis between ankle and unilateral spinal blocks for foot surgery

Objectives This study aims to compare the complications profile between ankle block and unilateral spinal block for foot Surgeries. Ankle block is expected to provide minimal intraoperative and postoperative complications compared to unilateral spinal block following foot surgeries. Material and Methods Fifty adult patients scheduled for elective foot surgeries that met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. They were assigned into two groups of 25 each as they came, group A (ankle block) and group S (unilateral spinal block). Group A had surgery under the ankle block using 4 ml of 0.5% plain bupivacaine to block each nerve. In contrast, group S had surgery under a unilateral spinal block using 3 ml of 0.5% heavy bupivacaine. The complications were observed and recorded. The data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 and were presented using relevant proportions, tables, and figures. Statistical association tests were performed with a confidence level of 95%, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Results The intraoperative complications observed between the two groups; three patients (12%) had nausea for group S while two patients (8.7%) had nausea from group A, two patients (8%) had vomiting from group S while one patient (4%) from group A had vomiting, three patients (12%) had bradycardia from group S and one patient (4%) had bradycardia from group A, three patients (12%) from group S had hypotension while no patient had hypotension from group A. The postoperative complications between the two groups; 2 (8%) patients had nausea from group S while only one patient (4%) had nausea from group A, Only 1 (4%) patient had vomiting from group S and one patient (4%) had vomiting from group A. Only two patients (8%) had urinary retention from group S, while no patients from group A had urinary retention. No patient had a postural puncture headache or shivering from group S. Conclusion Ankle block is associated with minimal complications compared to unilateral spinal block.

Abstract 13840: Safety Outcomes From a First-in-Human Study of a Novel Investigational Monoclonal Antibody, REGN5381, an Agonist to the Natriuretic Peptide Receptor 1

Introduction: Natriuretic peptides (NPs) regulate vascular volume and tone via the membrane-bound guanylate cyclase, natriuretic peptide receptor 1 (NPR1). Activation of this pathway is known to lower systemic and venous blood pressure (BP) and effect natriuresis and diuresis. Previous recombinant NP infusions for heart failure were limited by their duration of effects. REGN5381, a novel investigational NPR1 agonist monoclonal antibody, showed sustained hemodynamic effects in animal models. Here, we report safety and pharmacodynamic (PD) outcomes from a phase 1, first-in-human study of REGN5381. Hypothesis: REGN5381 is sufficienty well tolerated in healthy humans to warrant continued clinical investigation. Aim: To assess the safety, tolerability, and REGN5381 PD in normotensive humans. Methods: This double-blind, single-ascending dose study (NCT04506645), randomized healthy adults aged 18-55 years (6:2) to receive a single intravenous dose of REGN5381 or placebo. Participants received a fixed-sodium and fluid diet and remained 4 days in the clinic for non-invasive hemodynamics monitoring and safety assessment. Results: A total of 48 participants were enrolled; 12 were randomized to placebo and 6 to each of 6 REGN5381 dose levels (total n=36). Eight (66.7%) participants in the placebo and 24 (66.7%) in the total REGN5381 group reported ≥1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE), with no obvious relationship to dose level. Four (33.3%) participants in the placebo and 15 (41.7%) in the total REGN5381 group reported ≥1 study drug related TEAE, with no obvious relationship to dose level. Common TEAEs (experienced by &gt;10% of participants in the total group) were postural dizziness (placebo: 2 [16.7]%; total REGN5381: 6 [16.7]%) and headache (placebo: 5 [41.7%]; total REGN5381: 4 [11.1%]). Pyuria and orthostatic hypotension were reported in 4 (11.1%) participants in the total group, but none in the placebo group. No serious or severe TEAEs or deaths were reported in any dose groups. Participants treated with the highest dose saw a 7-11 mmHg reduction of systolic BP that was sustained over 72 hours (the full duration of inpatient monitoring). Conclusion: A single dose of REGN5381 is generally well-tolerated and provides sustained hemodynamic effects.

Transvenous Embolization of Cerebrospinal Fluid-Venous Fistulas: Pearls, Pitfalls, and Lessons Learned

Cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistulas (CSFVFs) are increasingly recognized as a cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), a debilitating neurologic condition that may present with postural headaches, hearing loss, and/or cognitive impairment. Curative treatment is available for patients whose fistulas are localized with myelography. Transvenous endovascular embolization has emerged in recent years as a safe, effective, and durable treatment option for patients with CSFVF. Here, we briefly review the clinical presentation of SIH, present diagnostic algorithm by which CSFVFs are identified, and discuss a stepwise treatment paradigm. We then detail endovascular treatment strategies of CSFVF with particular emphasis on direct versus indirect approaches to the fistula, embolization principles, and techniques to minimize complications. With increasing awareness of SIH and enhanced detection of CSFVF, it is important for endovascular neurosurgeons and neurointerventionalists to be familiar with transvenous CSFVF embolization strategies to meet the needs of this patient population.

Spontaneous Thoracic Dural Tear Presenting With Postural Headache: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Incidental dural tear (durotomy) is a known complication of many forms of spinal instrumentation. The majority of durotomy cases are due to a known traumatic force, such as an intentional durotomy during neuraxial anesthesia, or an unintentional tear during lumbar decompression surgery. However, spontaneous dural tears have occasionally been reported. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 16-year-old woman with postural headaches who was found to have a spontaneous thoracic dural tear on magnetic resonance imaging. She underwent a successful fluoroscopic-guided epidural blood patch with resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of considering spontaneous dural tears as a possible cause of postural headaches. KEY WORDS: Spontaneous dural tear, traumatic dural tear, idiopathic dural tear, durotomy, post-dural postural headache, epidural blood patch, headache, CSF leak, case report

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension: a case report in the context of differential diagnosis of chronic headaches

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a rare and debilitating condition caused by decreased intracranial pressure, which occurs more frequently in females. SIH can have several causes, among them the spontaneous formation of cerebrospinal fluid venous fistula (CSF-venous fistula), which is primarily responsible for the appearance of postural headache. Orthostatic headache is diagnosed by CSF pressure &lt; 6 mmHg associated with specific imaging findings. Other specific symptoms such as dizziness, reduced muscle strength, blurred vision and syncope and other more systemic symptoms such as fatigue, mental confusion and difficulty concentrating are commonly observed. Etiological investigation through imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic tomography of myelography is necessary for diagnosis. Due to the debilitating condition, several therapeutic approaches have been developed, ranging from more conservative approaches, with observation and use of analgesics, to more invasive interventions such as surgical ligation, transvenous embolization and blood tamponade.

Post-dural puncture headache combined with pneumocephalus secondary to vaginal delivery following epidural anesthesia: a case report

BackgroundPneumocephalus is rare in vaginal deliveries. Pneumocephalus may be asymptomatic or present with signs of increased intracranial pressure. However, parturients who received epidural anesthesia with air in their brains may experience low intracranial pressure headaches after giving birth, causing the diagnosis of pneumocephalus to be delayed. We report a case of a parturient who developed post-dural puncture headache combined with pneumocephalus secondary to vaginal delivery following epidural anesthesia.Case presentationA 24-year-old G1P0 Chinese woman at 38 weeks gestation was in labor and received epidural anesthesia using the loss of resistance to air technique and had a negative prior medical history.She presented with postural headache, neck stiffness and auditory changes 2 h after vaginal delivery. The head non-contrast computed tomography revealed distributed gas density shadows in the brain, indicating pneumocephalus. Her headache was relieved by bed rest, rehydration, analgesia, and oxygen therapy and completely disappeared after 2 weeks of postpartum bed rest.ConclusionsThis is the first report that positional headaches after epidural anesthesia may not indicate low intracranial pressure alone; it may combine with pneumocephalus, particularly when using the loss of resistance to air technique. At this moment, head computed tomography is essential to discover other conditions like pneumocephalus.

Outcomes of Incidental Durotomy Repair in Thoracolumbar Spine Surgery: An Institutional Experience With Orthopedic Residents.

Background The occurrence of incidental durotomies (IDs) following spinal operations is a widely recognized issue. Complications such as poor outcomes, extended hospitalization, prolonged immobilization, infections, and revision surgeries are all potential consequences of inadequate durotomy management during the initial surgery. This study aims to describe the outcomes of ID repair in thoracolumbar spine surgery in terms of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score and visual analog scale (VAS) when performed with the active involvement of orthopedic residents in the surgical procedure. Methodology Between April 2021 and April 2023, a hospital-based observational study was conducted among 110 patients hospitalized in the orthopedic ward at R.L. Jalappa Hospital and Research Center in Kolar, Karnataka, who required IDs due to an accidental dural tear or a postoperative CSF fluid leak following thoracolumbar spine procedures. Patients with a previous history of thoracolumbar spine surgery, vertebral tumors, spinal metastasis, infections, e.g., spondylodiscitis, or Pott's spine were excluded. The ODI score and VAS score were calculated on the postoperative day, one month, and three months following surgery. Results The mean age of the study participants was 62.81 + 10.49 years, with a male preponderance of 67.2% among the study participants. The mean BMI of study participants was 23.77 kg/m2. Approximately 24.5% of participants had a prior history of spinal surgery. Among 110 patients, 32 had postoperative complications. Six patients reported experiencing urinary retention, followed by five with CSF leakage and one with a postural headache(five cases). Based on the ODI score, mild disability was seen in 32.7% of the study samples at three months of follow-up. Based on the VAS score, moderate pain was seen among all the study samples at three months of follow-up. The ANOVA test revealed statistically significant differences in ODI and VAS score reductions between the immediate postoperative period and the one-month and three-month follow-up periods (p = 0.001 and p = 0.0247, respectively). Conclusion Less than one-third of the samples had postoperative complications. At three months, ODI scores showed mild disability in one-third of the study samples. At three months, all study samples had moderate VAS pain. The improvement in ODI and VAS scores from the day after surgery through the one-month and three-month follow-up periods was statistically significant.

Intracranial Hypotension and Bilateral Isolated Cortical Vein Thrombosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Intracranial hypotension (IH) is a clinical manifestation of low cerebrospinal fluid pressure with reports of isolated cortical venous thrombosis (ICVT) rarely described. Case Presentation: A 23-year-old man presented with postural headache followed by blurry vision and horizontal binocular diplopia with extreme gaze. Patient workup showed diffuse thickening and enhancement of the dura suggestive of intracranial hypotension and biparietal superficial cortical vein thrombosis was noted on imaging. The patient was started on folate and therapeutic anticoagulation and his condition improved. Conclusion: Patients with IH are at risk for CVT due to the dilation of the venous sinuses of the brain. Changes in the characteristics of the headache of the patient or the onset of new neurological symptoms should warrant further investigation. Prophylactic systemic anticoagulation might cautiously be indicated in high-risk patients with IH to prevent ICVT.

Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia like Syndrome –Atypical Presentation of Intracranial Hypotension

Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (SIH) is an uncommon syndrome which may result from a Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leak. Atypical SIH may present with neurobehavioral symptoms similar to those observed in behavioral variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD). We present a case of a 55-year-old male with postural headache and behavioral symptoms who was initially diagnosed with bvFTD. On re-evaluation in our clinic, imaging revealed caudal displacement of the midline structures suggestive of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) hypotension. We hypothesized that with unmitigated CSF loss over a long period of time, the patient developed brain sagging clinically resulting in neurobehavioral, frontal lobe dysfunction. After multitude of investigative procedures, a CSF venous fistula originating from a T7 nerve root cyst was found and repaired. Surgical intervention and restoration of CSF volume resulted in resolution of cognitive as well as neurobehavioral symptoms.

Long-term Complications of Unintentional Dural Puncture During Labor Epidural Analgesia: A Case–control Study

(Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2022;47:364–369) Despite epidural labor analgesia use being widespread, unintentional dural puncture (UDP) occurs at a rate of 0.5% to 1.5% depending on the type of institution (training vs. nontraining). The short-term adverse outcome—postural postdural puncture headache (PDPH), and associated nausea, vomiting, auditory disturbances, visual disturbances, neck stiffness, and reduced ADLs may resolve with conservative management. If these adverse outcomes do not resolve with conservative management, lumbar epidural blood patch (EBP) is considered the definitive treatment. Anecdotally, UDP may lead to long-term complications, but published data for long-term follow-up is lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate whether laboring women who experienced an UDP were at risk for developing long-term complications and to investigate whether EBP influences outcomes.

Postdural puncture headache incidence with 25G and 27G Quincke needles after spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean section

Background: Post dural puncture headache(PDPH) is a bilateral occipito-frontal headache occurs in 0.1 to 36% of cases receiving spinal anesthesia. We evaluated the incidence of PDPH after spinal anesthesia using two commonly used needles, 25G and 27G Quincke needles among females undergoing elective cesarean section. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the post-dural puncture headache with 25G And 27G Quincke Needle – in terms of Incidence, severity in patients after spinal anesthesia for elective caesarean section and to find out number of attempts for successful block and any associated complications. Materials and Methods: Six hundred females of ASA grade I or II posted for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were enrolled into two equal groups to assess incidence of PDPH in the post-operative period. They were assessed by a blinded observer for the onset of headache, characteristics, duration, severity, and any associated symptoms for 5 days. PDPH was defined as postural headache that was aggravated by sitting or standing position and relieved by lying supine. Results: The incidence of PDPH was 11% in 25G needle group and 6.33% in the 27G needle group [Risk Ratio of 0.58 (95% CI: 0.34, 0.99)]. In none of the groups, intensity of headache was severe while all were mild in the 27G group. Nausea and vomiting were the only associated symptomatology, 7.33% in the 25G group and 5.67% in the 27G group. Conclusion: The results support 27G Quincke needle to administer spinal anesthesia in females undergoing elective cesarean section.