title: Post-dural puncture headaches in children. A literature review.
abstract: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a well recognised complication of spinal and epidural anaesthesia. It can also occur after diagnostic or therapeutic lumbar puncture. Few cases have been reported in children. We reviewed the literature regarding definition, aetiology, incidence, risk factors, prevention and treatment, in order to provide some recommendations. Significant factors include age, gender, needle diameter, needle tip design, orientation of the tip during puncture, previous PDPH, history of migraine and repeated attempts to achieve puncture. There is no evidence for the use of increased fluids or bed rest to prevent PDPH. Once the diagnosis is made, conservative therapy is recommended for 48 h. Persistent PDPH can be treated in several ways; an epidural blood patch is one of the most effective methods.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  occurrence of post-dural puncture headache after lumbar puncture in children is rare. There are conflicting data about risk factors, prevention and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Elke
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Janssens
authors.affiliation: Paediatric Department, Virga Jesseziekenhuis, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Aerssens
authors.affiliation: Paediatric Department, Virga Jesseziekenhuis, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.
authors.forename: Phillipe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Alliët
authors.affiliation: Paediatric Department, Virga Jesseziekenhuis, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.
authors.forename: Phillipe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gillis
authors.affiliation: Paediatric Department, Virga Jesseziekenhuis, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium. dr.raes.marc@wanadoo.be.
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Raes
mesh_terms: D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017217:Blood Patch, Epidural; D002648:Child; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects*