Spinal Headache

What is Spinal Headache

Spinal headache is a severe headache that can happen after a person has had a lumbar puncture or epidural anesthesia. During these procedures, a needle is passed between the bones of the spine.

The headache usually starts from a few hours to 1–2 days after that. The headache can last for a few days. In rare cases, it can last for more than a week.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by a leak of spinal fluid from the spine through the hole that is left by the needle.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • A severe headache.
  • A headache that is worse when you sit or stand and better when you lie down.
  • Neck pain and stiffness, especially when tilting your chin toward your chest.
  • Nausea and vomiting.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is usually diagnosed based on:

  • Your medical history.
  • Your symptoms.
  • A CT scan or MRI of the brain to help rule out other conditions.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition may include:

  • Replacing fluids that leaked out through the needle hole. Fluids may be replaced by:
    • Drinking more fluids. 
    • Getting fluids through an IV line that is inserted into one of your veins.
  • Caffeine to help reduce your headache. Your health care provider may recommend drinking caffeinated beverages such as soda, coffee, or tea.
  • Having an epidural blood patch procedure. In this procedure, a small amount of your blood is injected into the area of the leak in order to seal it.
  • Medicines for pain.
  • Resting and lying flat for a few days.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Drink enough fluids to keep your urine pale yellow.
  • Drink caffeinated beverages as told by your health care provider.
  • Lie down to relieve pain if your pain gets worse when you sit or stand.
  • Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You develop nausea and vomiting.

Get help right away if:

  • Your pain becomes very severe.
  • Your pain cannot be controlled.
  • You develop a fever.
  • You have a stiff neck.
  • You develop problems with your vision.
  • You lose control of your bowel or bladder (have incontinence).
  • You have trouble walking, you feel weak, or you lose feeling in part of your body.

Summary

  • A spinal headache is a severe headache that can happen after a person has had a lumbar puncture or epidural anesthesia.
  • This condition is caused by a leak of spinal fluid from the spine through the hole that is left by the needle. The headache can last for a few days. In rare cases, it lasts for more than a week.
  • Supportive measures, such as drinking more fluid and taking pain medicines, are usually recommended. In some cases, it may be necessary to inject a small amount of your blood to seal the leak.
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