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Preventing Post-Lumbar Puncture Headache.

Annals of emergency medicine
September 1, 2021
Emmanuel Cognat et al. (10 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
atraumatic, noncutting needles
decrease
post-lumbar puncture headache prevention
patients undergoing lumbar puncture
-
the most effective intervention
#1
atraumatic, noncutting needles
no change
ease of use
-
-
not more difficult to use
#2
fluid supplementation
no change
post-lumbar puncture headache prevention
-
-
appear unhelpful
#3
caffeine
no change
post-lumbar puncture headache prevention
-
-
appear unhelpful
#4
bed rest
increase
post-lumbar puncture headache
-
-
may worsen
#5
Abstract

Post-lumbar puncture headache is the main adverse event from lumbar puncture and occurs in 3.5% to 33% of patients, causing functional and socio-professional disability. We searched the post-lumbar puncture headache literature and, based on this review and personal expertise, identified and addressed 19 frequently asked questions regarding post-lumbar puncture headache risk factors and prevention. Among the nonmodifiable factors, older age is associated with a lower incidence of post-lumbar puncture headache, while female sex, lower body mass index, and history of headache might be associated with increased risk. The use of atraumatic, noncutting needles is the most effective intervention for post-lumbar puncture headache prevention. These needles are not more difficult to use than cutting needles. Other commonly recommended measures (eg, fluid supplementation, caffeine) appear unhelpful, and some (eg, bed rest) may worsen post-lumbar puncture headache.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Age FactorsBody Mass IndexFemaleHumansMaleNeedlesPost-Dural Puncture HeadacheRisk FactorsSex FactorsSpinal Puncture
Study Links
Citation Metrics
Total Citations17
Citations/Year4.3
Relative Citation Ratio1.94
NIH Percentile73.6%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.75
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