About this topic
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. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You will need to lie flat for a few hours. Then, you can sit up and should be able to return to your normal activities.
- Try to not cough, sneeze, laugh, or strain. Doing these may dislodge the blood clot.
- Keep the wound clean and dry.
- You can take a shower. Avoid swimming or tub baths for 24 hours.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
There should not be any drugs needed. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Avoid any heavy lifting or hard physical activities like running or lifting weights for a day. It may take a day for your headache to feel better. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection at the puncture site
- Headache does not go away
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Stiff neck
- Problems thinking clearly
- Changes in behavior
- Redness, drainage, or pain at the site
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Headache does not go away or gets worse
- Any new signs, problems, or concerns
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how long I will need to lie flat and then what activities are safe for me to do.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, stiff neck, headache, nausea, or throwing up.
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚