A 26-year-old female underwent cesarean section for a complicated pregnancy. She complains of severe occipital headache since day 2 after surgery. Headache is associated with neck pain and stiffness. Most accurate statement regarding the present clinical complaint
Answer: c) Seepage of CSF resulted in the present conditionPost-spinal headacheIt is a low-pressure headache due to the seepage of CSF through the puncture site.It presents usually after 12-24 h of the spinal anesthesia.In majority of the cases, it is relieved within 1 week.It can be prevented by using small-gauge needles or dural separation needles.Adequate hydration leads to excess CSF production and prevents the post-spinal headache, which is caused by significant CSF loss (of around lOml/h).Management:First line: Includes oral analgesics and intravenous fluid administration.Second line: Includes injection of desmopressin and caffeine.Definitive treatment: Includes injection of autologous blood in the epidural space.
Epidural blood patch is the next step in the management.
It is a major complication and needs immediate intervention.
Seepage of CSF resulted in the present condition.
Early ambulation resulted in the present condition
Complications Of Anaesthesia