Why is this procedure done?
A headache can be caused by spinal fluid leaking from a hole in fluid space of the spine. This is called the epidural space. The hole comes from when a needle is put into the fluid space of the spine to get a sample of spinal fluid. This is a lumbar puncture. A needle may also make a hole when used to give drugs for procedures, surgeries, or for childbirth. ‚
An epidural blood patch is a small amount of blood that is put into the epidural space at the site of the leak. This blood clots and seals the hole to stop the fluid leak. This treatment is done to treat a headache that does not go away after the fluid space has been punctured. ‚
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What will the results be?
This treatment may ease the pain. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OCT) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy, especially to contrast materials. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you are pregnant or you think you are pregnant.
- If you need to stop eating and drinking before the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the treatment room, your back will be cleaned and numbed. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to take out a small amount of blood from a vein.
- Your doctor will put the needle in the epidural space of your spine.
- Your doctor will inject the blood that was taken from your arm through the needle in the epidural space of your spine. This blood will clot and patch the hole to stop the spinal fluid leak.
- The treatment takes about 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be able to go home after the procedure.
- You will lie flat for a few hours. Then, you can slowly sit up. Your headache may take a couple of days to fully go away.
- Try to not cough, sneeze, laugh, or strain. Doing these may dislodge the blood clot.
What drugs may be needed?
There should not be any drugs needed. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection at the puncture site
- Headache does not go away
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚