How long lumbar puncture headache

However, sometimes the hole does not seal properly and spinal fluid leaks into the nearby tissues. If there is a loss of too much spinal fluid from a leak at the puncture site, the spinal fluid pressure goes down and a headache occurs spinal tap headache or post-lumbar puncture headache.

This headache may be mild or severe. The pain is often worse when you sit or stand and gets better or goes away when you lie down. You may also have dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision. The headache usually goes away within 24 hours.

But when the headache is very severe or lasts longer than 24 hours special treatments can be given to stop the leak. This forms a blood clot that presses against the hole to stop the leak and increase the fluid pressure. Most people start to feel better within 30 minutes after the procedure. Improvement usually continues over the next several days. In a small percent of cases, the headache continues or may come back. In that case, a second procedure or another treatment may be needed.

Of these categories, which of the following types is particularly serious due to the speed of its progression? More Content. Click here for Patient Education. Clinical evaluation. Hydration and caffeine. Was This Page Helpful? Yes No. Lumbar Puncture Spinal Tap. How To Do Lumbar Puncture. Sun-Edelstein C, et al. Post-lumbar puncture headache. Post-lumbar puncture and other low-pressure headaches.

Merck Manual Professional Version. Waldman SD. Post-dural puncture headache. In: Atlas of Uncommon Pain Syndromes. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Sensitive or allergic to any adhesives such as tape. Taking any blood thinners. Back to top After Your Procedure At the hospital You may be asked to lie flat on your back for up to 30 minutes. At home You can take off your bandage the day after your procedure. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

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