Complications after LP related to needle type: pencil-point versus Quincke.
OBJECTIVE
We studied the incidence of complications after diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) related to needle type.


METHODS
A 5 months' observational study of routine diagnostic LP in 83 patients was conducted.


RESULTS
Significantly more headache was observed after LP using thicker cutting needles (20G Quincke) compared with thinner cutting or non-cutting needles (22G Quincke or pencil-point). No significant difference in complications after LP was found between the 22G Quincke and pencil-point needles.


CONCLUSIONS
The size of the needle and not the needle shape seems to be the main determinant for post-dural puncture headache (PDPH).
Aamodt
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Rana Hospital, N-8607 Mo i Rana, Norway. annehegeaamodt@hotmail.com
Vedeler
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D000328:Adult; D001416:Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles / Q000592:standards*; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects*