Does a headache hurt after a spinal tap? Let's talk about Spinal Headache

Have you ever had a "spinal injection" while having a baby or for some other test, and then developed a severe headache that you couldn't bear? Especially when you stand up or sit down, does this pain seem to increase and decrease when you lie down? Then we are talking about a special type of headache that you may have. We call this a 'spinal headache'. Don't worry, this is a condition that many people develop and can be cured. Let's talk about it simply.

Simply put, what is Spinal Headache?

To understand this, we first need to understand a little about how our brain and spinal cord are protected. Imagine that our brain and spinal cord are like precious objects, floating in a protective fluid. In medical terms, this fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) . This fluid nourishes the brain and spinal cord and protects them from shock and impact.

Now, when you have a spinal tap, that is, when the doctor inserts a needle into your spinal canal and injects medicine (we call this an epidural ), or when they take a small amount of that CSF fluid for testing (this is called a lumbar puncture ), a small hole is made where the needle was inserted. Sometimes, that precious CSF fluid starts to leak out little by little through this hole.

Simply put, a spinal headache is a headache caused by a decrease in the CSF fluid surrounding the brain.

What are the symptoms of this headache? How do you recognize it?

These symptoms usually appear within two to three days of a spinal injury. However, they can sometimes appear months later. The most important and easily recognizable symptom is the headache.

How long can this headache last?

Most of the time, these headaches can last from a few hours to a few days. However , if you have these symptoms for more than 24 hours in a row, be sure to let your doctor know.

What are the risk factors for developing Spinal Headache?

Although this can happen to anyone, some people are more likely to develop it.

• Age: Usually seen in people between the ages of 20-40, especially women who receive an epidural during childbirth.
• Dehydration: The risk is higher if the body is dehydrated.
• Previous headaches: If you have frequent headaches, there is a small chance that this will develop.
• Having a low body mass index (BMI): Thin people are more likely to develop it.
• Type of needle used: This risk may also vary depending on the size and type of needle used by the doctor.

How is this treated?

The good news is that most of the time, these spinal headaches resolve without any special treatment. But your support is very important for that.

Things you can do at home

First, the doctor advises you to do these simple things.

1. Stay as relaxed as possible: Stay in bed, reclining. Get up and sit up, as the headache will get worse, so rest as much as possible.

2. Drink plenty of fluids: Drink plenty of water and fruit drinks. This helps replenish the body's CSF fluid.

3. Drink beverages containing caffeine: Drinking things like tea and coffee can provide some relief from headaches. Caffeine constricts blood vessels in the brain and helps reduce pain.

4. Painkillers: You can take general painkillers like paracetamol as directed by your doctor.

The doctor's treatment

If the headache does not subside with home remedies, and the pain persists for several days, the doctor may recommend another treatment.

It's called an Epidural Blood Patch . Don't be scared when you hear this. It's very simple.

• What does this do? The doctor will take a small amount of your own blood (about 10-20 milliliters) from a vein in your arm.
• Then, the blood is injected back into the same spot where it was previously injected into the spine.
• What happens then is that the blood clots there, closing the hole through which the CSF fluid leaks, as if a "plaster" had been put on it.
• Most people experience almost complete relief from their headaches within 24 hours of this treatment.

Very rarely, if these methods do not help, surgery may be required to close the hole.

When should we seek immediate medical advice?

Although a spinal headache is usually not dangerous, some rare but serious complications can occur. Therefore, if you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

• Difficulty urinating with headache.
• Loss of feeling or numbness in the back or legs.
• Severe vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
• Severe neck pain and fever.

Although these are very rare symptoms, it is very important to be aware of them.

Spinal Headache, Spinal puncture, Headache, Epidural, Lumbar Puncture, CSF leak, Post-dural puncture headache