The term spinal headache might be uncommon to you but there is such thing as spinal headache. Spinal headaches are caused by a leakage of spinal fluid and this often occurs during a spinal tap procedure or during epidural block which is usually done during a woman’s labor and delivery. This leakage of fluid usually lessens the pressure applied by the spinal fluid to the spinal cord and brain thus resulting to headache.
In most instances spinal headaches occurs within twelve to twenty-four hours after the procedure of spinal anesthesia or spinal tap. Epidural anesthesia may result to spinal headache too even if this is injected just outside the membrane around the spinal cord. It is still possible to have spinal headache if the membrane is accidentally punctured.
Fortunately since the design of spinal needles has improved, occurrence of spinal headache is rare now according to WebMD. However, larger needle do bring about higher risk of having spinal headaches. In this matter spinal headache may takes place up to five days following the procedure. Bed rest is the best way to prevent spinal headache after the procedure.
Spinal headaches is just the same as the common headache the individuals experience although spinal headaches can be severe when an individual is in its upright position but they improved when the individual lies down.
Is there a treatment for spinal headaches? Will initially individual should have enough hydration so as to increase Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) pressure. In some cases intravenous fluids are given or else an individual is recommended to drink fluids high in caffeine. Total bed rest for about twenty-four to forty-eight hours is recommended.
Also, if an individual develops spinal headache right after the procedure, the anesthesiologist can make a blood patch out of the persons blood to seal the leak. The procedure of blood patch includes inserting a needle right into the area where the anesthetic is injected the first time or right next to that area. The doctor will ten take a small amount of blood from the patient and injects it into that space. The blood will clot so that it now seals the leak.