Spinal Headaches

A spinal headache is a specific type of headache caused by low intracranial (skull) pressure. Typically these occur after a lumbar puncture or other intervention involving the dural sac (sac surrounding the brain and spinal cord).

Symptoms

• Severe headache when sitting or standing position - relieved by lying flat on one's back
• Nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a spinal headache is made using the patients' symptoms and history of prior procedures. CT or MRIs are used to diagnose the spinal headache.

Treatment

Treatments for spinal headaches include medications such as NSAIDs and caffeine. Symptoms typically subside within 2 to 3 days. An epidural blood patch may be used for treatment if a spinal headache continues.