spinal headaches
Spinal headaches, also known as post-dural puncture headaches, occur when there is a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following a procedure like a spinal tap or epidural. This leak can lead to a decrease in CSF pressure, resulting in a headache that is often worse when sitting or standing and may improve when lying down.
Symptoms of spinal headaches can include a dull, throbbing pain, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light or sound. Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and sometimes a blood patch, which involves injecting a small amount of the patient’s blood into the epidural space to seal the leak and alleviate symptoms.