Epidural Headaches: What is It and How It Can Be Treated

If you’ve ever experienced an epidural headache, you know that it can be a truly miserable experience. It’s an intense headache that tends to start after the administration of an epidural during labor and delivery.

It’s important to understand the causes and risk factors for epidural headaches, as well as the associated symptoms so you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment from your healthcare provider. In this article, we’ll discuss what can cause an epidural headache and the different treatment options available for relief. We’ll also discuss what can prevent this condition from occurring in the first place.

Introduction

Epidural headaches are a type of headache that is typically associated with a medical procedure known as an epidural nerve block. This type of headache is often painful and can last for several days or weeks following the procedure. It is important to understand what an epidural headache is and the various ways it can be treated in order to ensure adequate relief from symptoms.

Definition of Epidural Headaches

Epidural headaches, also known as post-dural puncture headaches, are a type of headache caused by a complication associated with a medical procedure known as an epidural nerve block. This type of headache typically occurs within 24 hours after the procedure and can last for days or weeks afterward. The severity of the headache can range from mild to severe, depending on each individual.

Causes of Epidural Headaches

An epidural headache is caused by the insertion of a needle into the epidural space around the spinal cord during an epidural nerve block. The needle punctures the dura mater, which is a membrane that surrounds and protects the spinal cord and its surrounding structures. When this happens, fluid escapes from this space. This leakage causes headaches as it decreases the spinal fluid pressure on your spinal cord and brain.

Symptoms of Epidural Headaches

The main symptom of an epidural headache is a persistent and intense headache that typically occurs in the back of the head, neck or sometimes in both areas. Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, vision problems, dizziness and ringing in the ears.

Diagnosis of Epidural Headaches

In order to diagnose an epidural headache, it is important to visit a doctor who will be able to examine your symptoms and medical history. This is where it’s important to talk to your doctor about your epidural or any other procedures you’ve recently had.

A common test used to diagnose epidural headaches is an MRI scan. This will help rule out any other potential causes for your headaches such as infections or tumors.

Treatment of Epidural Headaches

Once your doctor has diagnosed you with an epidural headache, there are several ways in which it can be treated. Medication treatments for an epidural headache typically involve plenty of fluids and over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. They may also recommend avoiding caffeine.

If conservative efforts do not help, your doctor may want to try an epidural blood patch. They do this by injecting your own blood into the puncture wound. As the blood clots, it should seal the opening causing fluid leakage.

Complications of Epidural Headache

If left untreated, an epidural headache can lead to life-threatening complications such as seizures or a subdural hematoma. This is when bleeding in the skull puts pressure on the brain. Infection and bleeding in the neck are rare, but possible complications as well.

Prevention of Epidural Headache

The complete prevention of an epidural headache would generally mean avoiding spinal procedures such as epidurals. Doctors can also prevent the chances of you developing one by using small needles.

Conclusion

Epidural headaches can be incredibly painful, especially for new moms who are already dealing with breast pumps, abdominal binders and a new baby who doesn’t seem to sleep for very long. That’s why it’s so important to take this problem off your plate by understanding the causes, risk factors, symptoms and treatments associated with this type of headache. This knowledge will allow you to get the proper diagnosis and treatment from a trusted healthcare provider.