headache after spinal and general anaesthesta

There .Ls a high me idence of headache after spinal anaesthesia The most acceptable theories in explaining the cause of post lumbar puncture headache are decrease or increase in O.S.F. pre ssure Decreased pressure of O.S.F. results fromleakage f C.S.F. through the dural tear. The O.S.F. pressure increases as a result of irritation of the meninges The patient usually complains of occipital or frontal headache, nausea, vomiting and blurring of vision. Treat ment of such condition is not guaranteed so prevention is better than treatment, completely steralised fine needles are better used. As for headache resulting from decrease of C.S.F.,pressure the main lines of treatment are : analgesics, fluids, ab- dominal binder and nicotinic acid in 500 e.o. saline in- br>travenously. In cases of headache with increased e.S.F. pressure, the patient is aSked to elevate his bead and use analgesicsand antid1uretics • Headache after general anaesthesia is considered a minor sequel with obscure causeIt is common in patients who have had headaohe prior to general anaesthesia and in those with history of migraine.