Post-dural puncture headache

Abstract

In this study we evaluate the validity of the ICHD II-2004 diagnostic criteria of post-dural (post-lumbar) puncture headache (PDPH) in 640 patients submitted to a raquianesthesia. Forty eight patients (7.5%) presented PDPH. The period of latency between the lumbar puncture and the headache onset varied from 6-72 hours and the headache duration raged between three and 15 days. In 34/48 (70.8%) patients with PDPH at least one of the following – neck stiffness, tinnitus, hypacusia, photophobia, or nausea – was also present. Thus 14/48 patients (29.2%) did not present any of the cited symptoms, indicating that a significant number of patient may progress with PDPH in the absence of any other symptoms. We suggested a few modification in the PDPH diagnostic criteria.