Prevention of post lumbar puncture headaches
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How to quote
Manso JM et al. Prevención de la cefalea postpunción lumbar. Metas de Enfermería nov 2001; 4(9): 44-47
Authors
1Juan Mariano Manso Rodríguez, 2Carlos Alberto Mesa Pérez
Position
1Diplomado en Enfermería. Supervisor de Enfermería. Complejo Hospitalario Nuestra Sra. Candelaria. Servicio Canario de la Salud (Tenerife). 2Diplomado en Enfermería. Complejo Hospitalario Nuestra Sra. Candelaria. Servicio Canario de la Salud (Tenerife).
Contact address
Complejo Hospitalario Nuestra Sra. Candelaria. Ctra. del Rosario, s/n. 38010 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canarias.
Abstract
Lumbar puncture is used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, but can bring about post-lumbar puncture syndrome, the main symptoms of which are headaches, which can be incapacitating in some cases.
Various measures have been traditionally employed ever since Sicard, in 1902, recommended that patients lie down for 24 hours after lumbar puncture. This practice is still followed today. In the 80´s it was proven that regardless of the patient’s position (prone, supine, horizontal or inclined), this method was not effective in the slightest, although bed rest did help to lessen the intensity when the patient was suffering from a severe headache. In addition, the type and diameter of the needle are very important, as the incidence of this syndrome is less when atraumatic needles or needles with small diameters are used (in Neurology the smallest needle is limited to 22 Gauges). Tiapride and caffeine also provide effective means for treating or preventing the headaches.
Keywords:
lumbar puncture; headache; bed restatraumatic needles
Versión en Español
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