AAPC Anesthesia Practice Test

A common complication of spinal anesthesia is a post-dural puncture headache. This type of headache occurs when there is a leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following a puncture in the dura mater during the spinal block procedure. As the CSF leaks out, it reduces the intracranial pressure, which can lead to headache symptoms, typically presenting as a dull, throbbing pain that often worsens when the patient is in an upright position.

The post-dural puncture headache can vary in intensity and duration; it may begin within a couple of days following the procedure and can persist for days or even weeks if not appropriately managed. The management may include hydration, caffeine, and, in certain cases, an epidural blood patch, which involves injecting the patient’s own blood into the epidural space to help seal the leak and alleviate the headache.

Understanding this complication is important for healthcare professionals to anticipate potential patient discomfort and to provide timely and appropriate interventions.