Post-Dural Puncture Headache

Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) is a common complication that can occur after a spinal injection or lumbar puncture when a small tear in the dura mater (the outer membrane surrounding the spinal cord) causes cerebrospinal fluid to leak. This leak decreases the fluid’s pressure in the skull, leading to a headache that worsens when standing or sitting and improves when lying down. The headache may be accompanied by neck stiffness, nausea, or dizziness. Usually, PDPH resolves with treatments like hydration, bed rest, or a blood patch procedure to seal the leak, but sometimes it requires medical intervention.