Spinal Cord Injury and Postdural Puncture Headache following Cervical Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection: A Case Report.

Background: Cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injection (CIESI) is increasingly used as an interventional treatment for pain originating from the cervical spine. However, serious neurological complications may occur during CIESI because of direct nerve damage following inappropriate needle placement. Case report: A 35-year-old woman presented with posterior neck pain radiating to the left upper arm. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed left C6 nerve impingement. CIESI under fluoroscopic guidance was performed at another hospital using the left C5/6 interlaminar approach. Immediately after the procedure, the patient experienced dizziness, decreased blood pressure, motor weakness in the left upper arm, and sensory loss. She visited our emergency department with postdural puncture headache (PDPH) that worsened after the procedure. Post-admission cervical MRI revealed intramedullary T2 high signal intensity and cord swelling from the C4/5 to C6/7 levels; thus, a diagnosis of spinal cord injury was made. The patient's PDPH spontaneously improved after 48 h. However, despite conservative treatment with steroids, the decrease in abduction of the left fifth finger and loss of sensation in the dorsum of the left hand persisted for up to 6 months after the procedure. As noticed in the follow-up MRI performed 6 months post-procedure, the T2 high signal intensity in the left intramedullary region had decreased compared to that observed previously; however, cord swelling persisted. Furthermore, left C7/8 radiculopathy with acute denervation was confirmed by electromyography performed 6 months after the procedure. Conclusions: Fluoroscopy does not guarantee the prevention of spinal cord penetration during CIESI. Moreover, persistent neurological deficits may occur, particularly due to intrathecal perforation or drug administration during CIESI. Therefore, in accordance with the recommendations of the Multisociety Pain Workgroup, we recommend performing CIESI at the C6/7 or C7/T1 levels, where the epidural space is relatively large, rather than at the C5/6 level or higher.

Sphenopalatine Ganglion versus Greater Occipital Nerve Blocks in Treating Post-Dural Puncture Headache after Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Section: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite being invasive, with serious complications, epidural blood patch (EBP) is still considered the gold standard therapy for Post Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH). The use of Peripheral nerve blocks for PDPH are studied here. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) and greater occipital nerve block (GONB) to relieve PDPH and its associated symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized comparative single-blind trial. SETTING: A University hospital. METHODS: Patients who received spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean section, and then developed PDPH during hospitalization or within 5 days after dural puncture were enrolled to receive GONB (n = 47) or SPGB (n = 46) for treatment of PDPH. GONB Group: Patients received bilateral GONB using 3 mL mixture of 2 mL lidocaine 2% plus 1 mL dexamethasone 4 mg on each side of occipital region. SPGB Group: Patients received bilateral SPGB using the same mixture in each nostril. Assessments included Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for severity of headache at supine and sitting positions, nausea NRS, neck stiffness, need for EBP, and complications. RESULTS: The supine and sitting headache NRS scores significantly decreased at 30 minutes after blocks and throughout follow-up period in both groups (P < 0.000). Clinically significant drop of NRS to < 4 was reached earlier in GONB group. There was a significant difference between groups after 2 hours in supine and sitting headache NRS scores (P = 0.020 and 0.030, respectively); however, both treatments showed similar effectiveness from the third hour afterwards (P > 0.05). Both techniques were effective in relieving neck stiffness and nausea (P < 0.000), with no adverse effects. LIMITATIONS: A limitation to this study was the small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: GONB and SPGB are equally effective in relieving symptoms of PDPH. Both techniques are safe, simple, and less invasive than EBP.

The impact of aminophylline on incidence and severity of post-dural puncture headache: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis aimed at addressing the impact of aminophylline use on risk and severity of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). METHODS: Electronic databases (i.e., Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane controlled trials register) were searched from inception to the 12th of January 2021 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the efficacy of aminophylline for treatment (i.e., primary outcome) or prophylaxis (i.e., secondary outcome) against PDPH in various clinical settings. The study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020207713). RESULTS: A total of ten RCTs (n = 976) were included for analysis. Five studies (n = 270) revealed a lower pain score in patients with PDPH receiving aminophylline than that in the placebo group (standardised mean differences = -1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.76 to -0.91). In contrast, five trials (four on Caesarean sections and one on lower extremity surgeries, n = 706) demonstrated no prophylactic effect of aminophylline against PDPH at 24 [risk ratio (RR) = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.30-1.63, n = 637], 48 (RR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.22-1.05, n = 506), and 72 (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.54-1.48, n = 317) hours. Nevertheless, sensitivity analysis demonstrated significant prophylactic efficacy after removal of one study adopting a relatively low dose of aminophylline (RR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.19-0.67). Most studies reported no increase in the incidence of adverse events associated with aminophylline use compared with that in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that aminophylline might be a reasonable alternative for treating PDPH. However, its use for prevention was not established in this meta-analysis and further large-scale studies are warranted to support this option.

Effectiveness of nebulized dexmedetomidine for treatment of post-dural puncture headache in parturients undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia: a randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: The need for effective treatment for post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a growing research entity. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of additional dexmedetomidine (DEX) to PDPH conservative management and evaluate its cerebral hemodynamic effects trans-cranial Doppler. METHODS: This prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial was conducted on 43 post-partum females suffering from PDPH with visual analog score (VAS) ≥ 4 and Lybecker score ≥ 2. The study subjects were allocated into control group [n = 22] received nebulization of 4 mL 0.9% saline and DEX group [n = 21] received nebulization of 1 µg/kg DEX diluted in 4 mL 0.9% saline twice daily that was continued until achieving VAS score ≤ 3 and Lybecker score < 2 and/or for a maximum of 72 h. Both groups received routine conservative management. The primary outcome was the VAS and Lybecker scores and the secondary results were the DEX effects on cerebral vessels and the occurrence of any adverse effects. RESULTS: VAS and Lybecker scores were significantly lower in DEX group. The middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity was significantly lower, and the pulsatility index was considerably higher after DEX nebulization compared to placebo. Two patients in the control group were indicated for epidural blood patch. CONCLUSION: The addition of DEX nebulization (1 µg/kg twice daily) to the PDPH conservative care effectively relieved the symptoms and lowered pain scores which could be due to its analgesic and cerebral vasoconstrictive effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the research ethical committee of Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University with the reference number (ZU-IRB#: 6075/26-4-2020) and it was registered under clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04327726).

[Post-dural puncture headache]. / Postpunktioneller Kopfschmerz.

Post-dural puncture headache belongs to the group of secondary headache disorders and is a typical complication of intended or unintended dural puncture. The main symptom is orthostatic headache, which can be accompanied by neurological symptoms such as diplopia depending on the extent of the cerebrospinal fluid leak. The course of this headache is predominantly benign, showing spontaneous improvement over a couple of days, although severe cases are described in the literature. The following article provides an overview of the current knowledge about the headache's pathophysiology, diagnostic work-up and therapy.

The effectiveness of epidural blood patch in patients with cerebral palsy treated with intrathecal baclofen implantation.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid leak and postdural puncture spinal headache following intrathecal baclofen therapy are known complications. Although primary treatments are conservative, epidural blood patch is an alternative in patients with persistent and severe symptoms. AIM: The purpose of this article is to review the effectiveness of epidural blood patch for the treatment of spinal headache and cerebrospinal fluid leak associated with intrathecal baclofen treatment in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Our database was reviewed for epidural blood patch in 341 pediatric patients with cerebral palsy who underwent primary intrathecal baclofen treatment from 2004 to 2018 at one institution. The number of patches, time frame of treatment, and effectiveness of the epidural blood patch were collected. All patients treated with epidural blood patch were evaluated for primary and secondary intrathecal baclofen-related procedures, and subsequent treatment of intrathecal baclofen associated with cerebrospinal fluid leak and spinal headache. RESULTS: Twenty-nine epidural blood patch procedures were performed on 26 patients who had received intrathecal baclofen procedures. Of these 26 patients, four had a secondary epidural blood patch. The incidence of spinal headache/cerebrospinal fluid leak was 31% (107/341), and 81/107 (76%) patients with spinal headache/cerebrospinal fluid leak responded to conservative treatments. Success rate for initial epidural blood patch was 79.3% (23/29). The second epidural blood patch was performed in four patients after failure of initial epidural blood patch. Second epidural blood patch success rate was 75% (3/4). CONCLUSION: Spinal headache and cerebrospinal fluid leak are known complications after intrathecal baclofen treatment in children with cerebral palsy. When conservative treatments are unsuccessful, epidural blood patch can be used with confidence for these patients. In patients with ongoing symptoms, it is possible to obtain success by repeating the epidural blood patch to continue intrathecal baclofen treatment and avoid aggressive surgery.

Cosyntropin for the Treatment of Refractory Postdural Puncture Headache in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Review.

OBJECTIVES: Postdural puncture headache is a challenging complication of diagnostic, therapeutic, and unintentional lumbar puncture. Literature evidence supports cosyntropin as a viable noninvasive therapy for adults who have failed conservative management, but pediatric data are limited. The purpose of this retrospective chart review was to describe the use of intravenous cosyntropin for refractory pediatric postdural puncture headache at a single free-standing tertiary care pediatric hospital. METHODS: Patients who had received cosyntropin were identified. Charts were retrospectively reviewed for indication, dosing information, efficacy, and side effects. The response was defined as a 50% reduction in pain score, with a secondary efficacy measure of time to discharge after the first dose. RESULTS: Over a 5-year period, 26 patients received 37 doses of cosyntropin. Dosing ranged from 5 to 15 mcg/kg (median, 10.4 mcg/kg). There was a significant reduction in pain scores after the first dose of cosyntropin (P=0.008). Eighty-one percent of patients (n=21) achieved either a 50% reduction in pain or were discharged within 24 hours after the first dose. The median time to 50% pain reduction in 13 patients who achieved it before or discharge was 5 hours (range, 1 to 30 h). The median time to discharge after the first dose was 20 hours (range, 2 to 72 h). Ten patients received >1 dose of cosyntropin. Three patients required an epidural blood patch. No adverse effects related to treatment were identified. DISCUSSION: This study suggests that while further research is warranted, cosyntropin is a potential alternative to epidural blood patch for pediatric patients with postdural puncture headache who fail conservative management.

Treatment of obstetric post-dural puncture headache. Part 1: conservative and pharmacological management.

The 2009-12 MBRRACE-UK report highlighted the deaths of two women in whom dural puncture had occurred during insertion of a labour epidural catheter. One woman received an epidural blood patch, the other did not, but both suffered with chronic headaches following discharge from hospital. Neither woman was adequately followed-up. Death resulted from a cerebral vein thrombosis in one case and a subdural haematoma in the other. Surveys of clinical practice in the UK have revealed significant variation in anaesthetic practice in the management of obstetric post-dural puncture headache. To help provide guidance on treatment, the Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association set up a working group to review the literature and produce evidence-based guidelines for management of obstetric post-dural puncture headache. These guidelines have been condensed into two review articles, the first of which covers conservative and pharmacological treatment.

Epidural Blood Patch for Postdural Puncture Headache due to Lumboperitoneal Shunt Placement in a Patient With Pseudotumor Cerebri: A Case Report.

The epidural blood patch (EBP) is commonly used to treat postdural puncture headaches (PDPHs) from spinal anesthesia, dural puncture with epidural anesthesia, and diagnostic and therapeutic lumbar puncture. We present a case of a patient with pseudotumor cerebri (idiopathic intracranial hypertension) who had a lumboperitoneal shunt placed for persistent headaches and subsequently developed symptoms similar to a PDPHs that were successfully treated with an EBP. While the exact mechanism by which our patient was experiencing PDPH symptoms is unknown, the EBP administration proved to be both therapeutic and diagnostic by ruling out shunt catheter malfunction through a resolution of symptoms.

Addition of Neostigmine and Atropine to Conventional Management of Postdural Puncture Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) lacks a standard evidence-based treatment. A patient treated with neostigmine for severe PDPH prompted this study. METHODS: This randomized, controlled, double-blind study compared neostigmine and atropine (n = 41) versus a saline placebo (n = 44) for treating PDPH in addition to conservative management of 85 patients with hydration and analgesics. The primary outcome was a visual analog scale score of ≤3 at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours after intervention. Secondary outcomes were the need for an epidural blood patch, neck stiffness, nausea, and vomiting. Patients received either neostigmine 20 µg/kg and atropine 10 µg/kg or an equal volume of saline. RESULTS: Visual analog scale scores were significantly better (P< .001) with neostigmine/atropine than with saline treatment at all time intervals after intervention. No patients in the neostigmine/atropine group needed epidural blood patch compared with 7 (15.9%) in the placebo group (P< .001). Patients required no >2 doses of neostigmine/atropine. There were no between-group differences in neck stiffness, nausea, or vomiting. Complications including abdominal cramps, muscle twitches, and urinary bladder hyperactivity occurred only in the neostigmine/atropine group (P< .001). CONCLUSIONS: Neostigmine/atropine was effective in treating PDPH after only 2 doses. Neostigmine can pass the choroid plexus but not the blood-brain barrier. The central effects of both drugs influence both cerebrospinal fluid secretion and cerebral vascular tone, which are the primary pathophysiological changes in PDPH. The results are consistent with previous studies and clinical reports of neostigmine activity.

Aminophylline for treatment of postdural puncture headache: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of IV aminophylline for patients with postdural puncture headache (PDPH). METHODS: We randomly assigned patients to groups receiving either 250 mg IV aminophylline or a placebo within 3 hours of symptom onset once daily for 2 consecutive days. The primary endpoint was headache severity 8 hours after treatment. We assessed this using visual analog scale (VAS) scores taken from patients in a standing position. We also recorded posttreatment VAS score changes, Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scores, and adverse events. We performed an intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: We enrolled 126 patients with PDPH at 5 centers in China (62 assigned to the aminophylline group and 64 to the placebo group). The median age was 37 years, and 96 (76.2%) patients were women. Compared to the placebo-treated patients, the aminophylline-treated patients had significantly lower mean VAS scores 8 hours after treatment (5.34 vs 2.98, p < 0.001) and were significantly more likely to report improvements on the PGIC (39.1% vs 72.6%, p < 0.01). This therapeutic effect was already evident at the 30-minute time point and persisted for 2 days. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events (4.8% vs 1.6%, p = 0.589). CONCLUSIONS: IV aminophylline is an effective and safe early-stage treatment for patients with PDPH. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02522013. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class I evidence that for people with PDPH, IV aminophylline reduces headache severity.

Normal intrathecal leukocyte cell number and composition do not decrease the incidence of post-lumbar puncture headache.

The pathogenesis of post-lumbar puncture headache (PLPH) has remained unclear. A beneficial role of CSF cells in the repair of a post-traumatic dural CSF leak has been suggested. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 8weeks of induction therapy with high-dose PF-00547659 on the cellular elements of CNS immune surveillance in patients with active Crohn's Disease and a history of immunosuppressive therapy (Clinicaltrials.govNCT01387594). PF-00547659 is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to mucosal addressin-cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1) on endothelial cells and blocks its interaction with beta7-integrin expressing lymphocytes. The study was executed in three parts or cohorts under two protocols. The incidence of a PLPH was 35% after the initial lumbar puncture, and 26% following the second lumbar puncture. After initiation of PF-00547659 anti-MAdCAM-1 therapy, there was a small and non-significant increase in the numbers of overall CSF leukocytes, and in lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells). The lymphocyte composition was unaltered by PF-00547659 anti-MAdCAM-1 therapy. Our observations suggest that normal numbers and composition of intrathecal leukocytes do not decrease the incidence of PLPH.

A case of paradoxical presentation of a postural postdural puncture headache after combined spinal-epidural anesthesia.

We report a case of paradoxical presentation of a postural postdural puncture headache secondary to dural puncture with a 25-gauge Whitacre needle for combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. This 27-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with elevated blood pressure and a global headache 9 days after administration of epidural anesthesia for a spontaneous vaginal delivery after an uncomplicated pregnancy. The patient reported that the headache was more intense when lying down and immediately improved when she sat or stood up from a recumbent position. The patient was discharged from emergency department after an improvement following treatment with labetalol, ondansetron, ketorolac, and fluid resuscitation.

Bilateral greater occipital nerve block for treatment of post-dural puncture headache after caesarean operations / Bloqueio bilateral do nervo occipital maior para tratamento de cefaleia pós-punção dural após cesarianas

Abstract Background: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is an important complication of neuroaxial anesthesia and more frequently noted in pregnant women. The pain is described as severe, disturbing and its location is usually fronto-occipital. The conservative treatment of PDPH consists of bed rest, fluid theraphy, analgesics and caffeine. Epidural blood patch is gold standard theraphy but it is an invasive method. The greater occipital nerve (GON) is formed of sensory fibers that originate in the C2 and C3 segments of the spinal cord and it is the main sensory nerve of the occipital region. GON blockage has been used for the treatment of many kinds of headache. The aim of this retrospective study is to present the results of PDPH treated with GON block over 1 year period in our institute. Methods: 16 patients who had been diagnosed to have PDPH, and performed GON block after caesarean operations were included in the study. GON blocks were performed as the first treatment directly after diagnose of the PDPH with levobupivacaine and dexamethasone. Results: The mean VAS score of the patients was 8.75 (±0.93) before the block; 3.87 (±1.78) 10 min after the block; 1.18 (±2.04) 2 h after the block and 2.13 (±1.64) 24 h after the block. No adverse effects were observed. Conclusions: Treatment of PDPH with GON block seems to be a minimal invasive, easy and effective method especially after caesarean operations. A GON block may be considered before the application of a blood patch.

Resumo Justificativa: A cefaleia pós-punção dural (CPPD) é uma complicação importante da anestesia neuroaxial e mais frequentemente observada em grávidas. A dor é descrita como intensa, perturbadora, e sua localização é geralmente fronto-occipital. O tratamento conservador da CPPD consiste em repouso no leito, fluidoterapia, analgésicos e cafeína. O tampão sanguíneo peridural é o padrão ouro de tratamento, mas é um método invasivo. O nervo occipital maior (NOM) é formado por fibras sensoriais com origem nos segmentos C2 e C3 da medula espinhal e é o principal nervo sensorial da região occipital. O bloqueio do NOM tem sido usado para o tratamento de muitos tipos de dor de cabeça. O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi apresentar os resultados de CPPD tratada com bloqueio do NOM no período de um ano em nosso instituto. Métodos: Foram incluídas no estudo 16 pacientes diagnosticadas com CPPD e submetidas a bloqueio de NOM após cesariana. Os bloqueios do NOM foram feitos com levobupivacaína e dexametasona como o primeiro tratamento imediatamente após o diagnóstico de CPPD. Resultados: A média dos escores EVA das pacientes foi de 8,75 (±0,93) antes do bloqueio; 3,87 (±1,78) 10 minutos após o bloqueio; 1,18 (±2,04) duas horas após o bloqueio e 2,13 (±1,64) 24 horas após o bloqueio. Efeitos adversos não foram observados. Conclusões: O tratamento da CPPD com bloqueio do NOM parece ser um método minimamente invasivo, fácil e eficaz, especialmente após cesarianas. O bloqueio do NOM pode ser considerado antes da aplicação de um tampão sanguíneo peridural.

Bilateral greater occipital nerve block for treatment of post-dural puncture headache after caesarean operations.

BACKGROUND: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is an important complication of neuroaxial anesthesia and more frequently noted in pregnant women. The pain is described as severe, disturbing and its location is usually fronto-occipital. The conservative treatment of PDPH consists of bed rest, fluid theraphy, analgesics and caffeine. Epidural blood patch is gold standard theraphy but it is an invasive method. The greater occipital nerve (GON) is formed of sensory fibers that originate in the C2 and C3 segments of the spinal cord and it is the main sensory nerve of the occipital region. GON blockage has been used for the treatment of many kinds of headache. The aim of this retrospective study is to present the results of PDPH treated with GON block over 1 year period in our institute. METHODS: 16 patients who had been diagnosed to have PDPH, and performed GON block after caesarean operations were included in the study. GON blocks were performed as the first treatment directly after diagnose of the PDPH with levobupivacaine and dexamethasone. RESULTS: The mean VAS score of the patients was 8.75 (±0.93) before the block; 3.87 (±1.78) 10min after the block; 1.18 (±2.04) 2h after the block and 2.13 (±1.64) 24h after the block. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of PDPH with GON block seems to be a minimal invasive, easy and effective method especially after caesarean operations. A GON block may be considered before the application of a blood patch.