Are obstetric spinal headaches avoidable?
In a prospective study of one hundred obstetric patients given spinal anaesthesia using either a 25 or 26 gauge spinal needle, a significantly greater incidence of spinal headache and blood patch was found in the 25-gauge group. It is concluded that a 26-gauge needle should be used when performing spinal anaesthetics for obstetric procedures.
Barker
P
P
Department of Anaesthetics, Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, U.K.
D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009339:Needles; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies
D002045:Bupivacaine