Incidence and management of post-dural puncture headache among parturients: A retrospective analysis

Background: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a known complication following spinal and epidural anesthesia. Study Design: This is a retrospective study to assess the incidence, risk factors, severity, and management of PDPH. Materials: The data were extracted from the medical records. All parturients who gave birth under spinal anesthesia or epidural analgesia were included. Maternal demographics, the size of the needle, the position of the parturient, and the day of onset of the headache were noted. Categorical variables were expressed using frequency and percentage and numerical variables as mean and standard deviation. One-way analysis of variance test was used for cross-comparison between groups. Results: A total of 35 patients developed PDPH. It was managed conservatively in 65.71%, with Sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) in 28.57% and by epidural blood patch (EBP) in 5.72%. The mean age was 28.6 years and body mass index was 27.2. 25G spinal needle was used in 54.3% and 23G in 28.6%. At 30 minute, pain score was <4 in SPGB and EBP. At 2 hours, pain score was <4 in all patients. The difference in the drop in pain score was statistically significant with a P value of < .002 at all time points. On cross-comparison, conservative management with SPGB and blood patch was statistically significant. Conclusion: The incidence of PDPH was 0.8%. We can continue with the 23G and 25G Whitacre needles due to the incidence of PDPH being lower. The use of SPGB and EBP is effective in management of severe PDPH.