The Prevalence of Spinal Headache in Post Caesarean Section Patients in Nile University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a known complication of dural puncture during epidural analgesia and subarachnoid block (SAB). It is common in pregnant women. The incidence is variable and is influenced by several factors. Method: A prospective study that involved all consenting patients who had caesarean section done under SAB between June 2023 and November 2023. SAB was performed using Quincke needles, sizes 25G to 27G. Patients were followed up and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: One hundred and sixty-one (161) parturients were recruited and 36 had PDPH giving a prevalence of 22.36%. The majority 17 (47.22%) of the patients who developed PDPH, had mild headaches in severity, 14 (38.89%) had moderate headaches, and 5 (13.89%) had severe headaches. A higher incidence of headaches was found in women who had a successful procedure using 25G needles with multiple attempts than those who used 26 and 27 G needles and were successful at the first attempt. Conclusion: The high prevalence of PDPH observed in this study may be attributed to the traumatic Quincke needles and multiple attempts at the institution of the block