Risk factors in post-dural puncture headache

Introduction: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is the most common complication following lumbar puncture. However, its incidence varies according to the series consulted. Different factors associated with its onset have been identified.Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of PDPH and to identify predisposing factors for its appearance.Method: Prospective, descriptive study in 57 patients who underwent lumbar puncture proce-dures. To this end, variables associated with patient-related risk factors, clinical and procedural factors with the presence of PDPH were analysed. The incidence of PDPH was 38.6% and factors associated with onset included young age and previous history of headache.Results: The incidence of PDPH was higher in women and presented greater intensity in this group, though studies with a larger sample size would need to be conducted.Conclusions: We must bear in mind the factors associated with the appearance of PDPH, which include: young age, history of headache, and the perception of procedural difficulty, to better inform patients and optimise the techniques used.& COPY; 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the incidence of PDPH and identify predisposing factors for its appearance. The incidence of PDPH was found to be 38.6%, and factors associated with its onset included young age and previous history of headache. Larger scale studies are needed to further validate these findings.