Successful treatment of dural puncture headache with epidural saline infusion after failure of epidural blood patch. Case report

Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 1988 Jul;32(5):429-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-6576.1988.tb02760.x.

Abstract

A case is presented of a 30-year-old female with a 4-month history of post-lumbar puncture headache (PLPHA) resulting from an accidental dural puncture during an attempted epidural anesthetic for cesarean section. Epidural blood patches were attempted at 4 days and 3 months post-lumbar puncture, but were unsuccessful. At 4 months post-lumbar puncture, a 24-h epidural saline infusion relieved the PLPHA for 48 h, but the headache returned. Finally, a second epidural saline infusion was done, followed by an epidural blood patch, which permanently cured the PLPHA. Follow-up to 4 months showed no return of the PLPHA. The rationale for epidural blood and saline patches is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthesia, Epidural / adverse effects*
  • Anesthesia, Obstetrical / adverse effects*
  • Cesarean Section
  • Dura Mater / injuries*
  • Female
  • Headache / etiology*
  • Headache / therapy
  • Humans
  • Methods
  • Pregnancy
  • Wounds, Stab / therapy*