The subjective complications and efficiency of the epidural blood patch in the treatment of postdural puncture headache
Tarkkila, P.J.; Miralles, J.A.; Palomaki, E.A.
Regional Anesthesia 14(5): 247-250
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0146-521X PMID: 2486648 Document Number: 343597
The complications and efficacy of epidural blood patch were studied retrospectively by means of a questionnaire sent to 236 patients. Hospital records were also studied. One-hundred-ninety-six patients returned the questionnaire. No major complications were found. Epidural blood patch was found to be effective; 84.5% of the respondents had complete and permanent recovery from headache in less than 24 hours after a single epidural blood patch. Of those responding, 42.3% were willing to undergo spinal anesthesia in the future, when indicated, only if they could be assured of getting epidural blood patch in the event of a postdural puncture headache.