Spontaneous intracranial hypotension--lessons to be learned for the investigation of post dural puncture headache.
We describe a case of spontaneous intracranial hypotension in a 36-year-old woman. This condition shares many of the features of post dural puncture headache, but without a dural puncture having been performed. The aetiology and management of this rare condition are discussed. We believe from experience within our own unit that most anaesthetists are unaware of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Highlighting this condition is important, as anaesthetists are often involved in its management. In our case, radiological investigation involved the use of spiral computerised tomography to identify the site of the hole in the dura. Spiral computerised tomography is a relatively recent innovation, which may also be useful in the investigation of post dural puncture headache when the level of the puncture is unknown.
Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
M G
MG
Adams
C A J
CA
Romanowski
I J
IJ
Wrench