BACKGROUND Even if carried out under optimal conditions, postdural puncture headache is still a frustrating and unpleasant complication in spinal anesthesia. This syndrome has an estimated incidence from less than 1% to about 5% of patients undergoing spinal anesthesia, even in the highest risk subset, the young, female, and pregnant population. CASE PRESENTATION In our two female cases, head...

The 18G catheter was removed and replaced at the same location with no CSF reported. A non-styletted catheter was then placed and threaded to 21 cm at the skin. No CSF or blood was aspirated via either catheter. Test dose was negative and the patient was loaded with 5 cc of 0.25% bupivacaine. The patient remained hemodynamically stable with surgical manipulation. Epidural infusion consisted of ...

Postdural puncture headache due to accidental dural puncture during epidural catheter placement is a source of morbidity for new mothers. It can interfere with maternal-newborn bonding and increase the length of hospitalization. This evidence-based article examined the question: For obstetric patients experiencing an accidental dural puncture during epidural placement, which nonpharmacologic pr...

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is one of the iatrogenic complications neuraxial blockade. Its incidence has steadily declined with advances in anesthesia techniques, improved knowledge pathophysiology, and implementation preventable measures.

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common complication after inadvertent dural puncture. Risks factors include female sex, young age, pregnancy, vaginal delivery, low body mass index, and being a non-smoker. Needle size, design, and the technique used also affect the risk. Because PDPH can be incapacitating, prompt diagnosis and treatment are mandatory. A diagnostic hallmark of PDPH is a p...

Epidural blood patch is the standard treatment for postdural puncture headache when symptomatic therapy is ineffective. We report the cases of two patients who received an epidural injection of hydroxyethyl starch when an epidural blood patch was contraindicated; one due to Streptococcus agalactiae bacteraemia and one due to acute leukaemia. Relief of headache was achieved in both patients with...