A lumbar puncture headache can occur after a spinal tap when cerebrospinal fluid continues to leak into the spine. Symptoms include a dull ache, dizziness, nausea, and vision disturbances. Treatment options include pain relievers and intravenous treatment to stop the fluid from leaking.
A lumbar puncture headache is a complication associated with a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection test, commonly known as a spinal tap. The headache develops when CSF continues to leak into the spine after the test. In most cases, the lower back headache goes away on its own within a couple of days as the puncture site heals. When treatment is needed, the approach depends on the severity of the headache.
According to the Mayo Clinic, an average of 30 percent of people who undergo a lumbar puncture will develop a lumbar puncture headache. A cerebrospinal fluid test requires taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. In some cases, the hole through which the sample is collected does not heal promptly, allowing spinal fluid to continue to seep into the spine. A headache develops when fluid loss decreases the pressure within the spine.
A CSF test requires a small puncture in the lower spine. After the area has been sterilized, it is treated with a local anesthetic. A small hollow needle is introduced into the targeted area to collect the CSF sample. Once the sample is obtained, the needle is removed. Usually, the site is then sanitized again, dressed, and left to heal. Those who develop a lumbar puncture headache show symptoms within 48 hours of being tested.
Signs and symptoms of a lumbar puncture headache can vary depending on the severity of your condition. A slight loss of pressure within the spine can cause a dull ache that may or may not be accompanied by dizziness. It is not uncommon for individuals to feel nauseous and experience vision disturbances with a lumbar puncture headache. Fever, stiffness, and spinal fluid leakage are considered signs of serious complications that require immediate medical attention.
If your headache doesn’t subside on its own within a couple of days, you may need treatment. A doctor can conduct imaging tests to verify that your headache is caused by spinal fluid leakage and not something else. Once the headache is confirmed to be related by CSF testing, treatment options can be explored depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Analgesic or pain-relieving medications are usually the first step in any treatment approach. If pain relievers prove insufficient, the individual may be given intravenous treatment to keep the CSF fluid from continuing to leak into the spine. Both saline and the individual’s blood may be introduced to the puncture site in an attempt to build up the pressure.
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