What is a low -pressure headache?
low -pressure headache is usually attributed to the decrease in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF, or spinal fluid, refers to a pure, watery liquid that surrounds the brain and column in the spine and works to provide suspension and support of these areas. Since CSF is often the cause of low -pressure headaches, this type of head can also be known as low headache of cerebrospinal fluid.
After lumbar puncture, low -pressure headaches are most likely to occur. This medical procedure, which is also known as the backbone tap, usually consists of inserting a needle between two vertebrae into the lower back. Once the needle progresses into the spine, the CSF pressure is tested and liquid is downloaded. The test is generally performed for testing serious infections and various health conditions related to the central nervous system such as syphilis, multiple sclerosis and encephalitis. After lumbar puncture may result in low -pressure headaches as spinal cord reduction can cause brain to dropdown when the patient is upright position, causing stretching and pain.
Although lumbar puncture is the most common cause of low -pressure headaches, any event that causes spinal cord leakage can also cause these headaches to occur. For example, a fracture of the skull can lead to a sudden reduction in the volume and pressure of CSF, which triggers headaches. Hydrocephalus, a health condition involving the excessive accumulation of CSF, is often treated with a short circuit that releases excess fluid. In some cases, the short -circuit can be damaged, causing low -headaches to cause.
Symptoms of low -pressure headaches include intense pain towards the back of the head, which is usually worse at standing, sitting or movement. Nausea, vomiting and neck pain may also occur. Headaches can only occur a few hours after spine surgery and may persist days orWeeks in some cases.
Regardless of the cause of pain, however, is typical treatment of low -pressure headaches rest because lying of the apartment reduces the effects of gravity and helps to slow down the loss of spinal cord. Drinking lots of fluids and the use of over -the -counter reliefs of pain containing acetaminophene can also be used to prevent or relieve headache. Caffeine can also be consumed in the form of pills or in drinks to treat pain. In low -pressure headaches that persist for more than a few days, epidural blood patch may be used. The use of patches involves applying the patient's own closed blood on the lumbar puncture to seal the leak and prevent any further CSF drainage.