[Less headache following lumbar puncture with the use of an atraumatic needle; double-blind randomized study].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the difference in frequency of headache after lumbar puncture with a standard needle or an atraumatic needle.


METHODS
Prospective, randomised double blind study.


METHODS
Department of Neurology, Merwedeziekenhuis, Dordrecht.


METHODS
One hundred sequential patients were randomised to lumbar puncture with a 'standard needle' (20 gauge) or an 'atraumatic needle' (pencil point, 22 gauge). The patients were interviewed one week later. Patient and interviewer were unaware of the needle used.


RESULTS
After puncture with the standard needle 32% of the patients suffered from postlumbar puncture headache, after use of the atraumatic needle 6% (p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval of the difference: 0.11-0.40). Postpuncture complaints appeared to be less severe after puncture with the atraumatic needle.


CONCLUSIONS
In comparison with a standard needle, there is significantly less postpuncture headache after lumbar puncture with an atraumatic needle.
Merwedeziekenhuis, afd. Neurologie, Dordrecht.
R P
RP
Kleyweg
L I
LI
Hertzberger
P A
PA
Carbaat
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*
Minder hoofdpijn na lumbale punctie bij gebruik van een atraumatische naald; dubbelblind gerandomiseerd onderzoek.