Significant reduction in post-lumbar puncture headache using an atraumatic needle. A double-blind, controlled clinical trial.
A characteristic headache occurs in about 36-55% of patients after lumbar puncture, and many of these patients need bed rest for one or more days to get relief. In a double-blind randomized trial we compared a new 22-gauge atraumatic puncture needle with the most widely used 20-gauge "conventional" needle. In 49 patients randomized to the atraumatic needle, post-lumbar puncture headache occurred in 6%, whereas in the 50 patients randomized to the conventional needle this occurred in 32% (p = 0.001). On the basis of these results we recommend use of the atraumatic needle in order to diminish the frequency of post-lumbar puncture headache.
Kleyweg
R P
RP
Department of Neurology, Merwedeziekenhuis, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
Hertzberger
L I
LI
Carbaat
P A
PA
D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation