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Post-dural puncture headaches in children. A literature review

European Journal of Pediatrics volume 162, pages 117–121 (2003)Cite this article

An Erratum to this article was published on 28 May 2003

Abstract

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a well recognised complication of spinal and epidural anaesthesia. It can also occur after diagnostic or therapeutic lumbar puncture. Few cases have been reported in children. We reviewed the literature regarding definition, aetiology, incidence, risk factors, prevention and treatment, in order to provide some recommendations. Significant factors include age, gender, needle diameter, needle tip design, orientation of the tip during puncture, previous PDPH, history of migraine and repeated attempts to achieve puncture. There is no evidence for the use of increased fluids or bed rest to prevent PDPH. Once the diagnosis is made, conservative therapy is recommended for 48 h. Persistent PDPH can be treated in several ways; an epidural blood patch is one of the most effective methods. Conclusion: occurrence of post-dural puncture headache after lumbar puncture in children is rare. There are conflicting data about risk factors, prevention and treatment.

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Fig. 1.

Abbreviations

EBP :

epidural blood patch

LP :

lumbar puncture

PDPH :

post-dural puncture headache

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatrics, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Elke Janssens

  2. Paediatric Department, Virga Jesseziekenhuis, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium

    Peter Aerssens, Phillipe Alliët, Phillipe Gillis & Marc Raes

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  1. Elke Janssens
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  2. Peter Aerssens
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  3. Phillipe Alliët
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  4. Phillipe Gillis
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  5. Marc Raes
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Correspondence to Marc Raes.

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A correction to this article is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00431-003-1271-2

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Janssens, E., Aerssens, P., Alliët, P. et al. Post-dural puncture headaches in children. A literature review. Eur J Pediatr 162, 117–121 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-002-1122-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-002-1122-6

Keywords

  • Cerebrospinal fluid
  • Epidural blood patch
  • Lumbar puncture
  • Post-dural headache
  • Spinal Anaesthesia