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Original contribution| Volume 35, ISSUE 2, P149-157, August 2008

Lumbar Puncture and Post-Dural Puncture Headaches: Implications for the Emergency Physician

  • Robert L. Frank
    Correspondence
    Reprint Address: Robert L. Frank, md, faaem, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Affiliated Residency in Emergency Medicine, 1400 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
    Affiliations
    Department of Emergency Medicine, Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Affiliated Residency in Emergency Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    Search for articles by this author
Published:September 18, 2007DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2007.03.024

      Abstract

      Lumbar puncture is a diagnostic procedure commonly performed by emergency physicians. Post-dural puncture headaches occur frequently after this procedure and can be associated with significant morbidity and, occasionally, even death. There is also a lot of variation in how post-dural puncture headaches are treated once they occur. This article seeks to examine the science behind post-dural puncture headaches, their prevention and treatment.

      Keywords

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      Linked Article

      • Lumbar Puncture and Post-Dural Puncture Headaches
        Journal of Emergency MedicineVol. 39Issue 5
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          I enjoyed the extensive review by Dr. Robert Frank on post-dural puncture headaches (PDPH) (1). There are a few additional points I feel are worth mentioning about both the lumbar puncture itself, and the pharmacologic options available to treat PDPH.
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