“Can spinal anesthesia give you a headache?”
I had a surgery under spinal anesthesia. I have headaches after that. Can spinal anesthesia give you a headache?
10 Answers
AnesthesiologistAnesthesiologist
It can. But the risk is small.
Yes it can. The type of headache is one that usually feels better lying down and comes back or gets worse upon sitting or standing. The higher risk categories are younger folks. I would contact your anesthesiologist or have your surgeon speak with them if this description fits your type of headache. Depending on how long it has been they may be able to help you. In the meantime if you have this type of positional headache drinking plenty of fluids especially caffeinated beverages can help.
Barbara Watanabe MD
Barbara Watanabe MD
One of the most common side effects of spinal anesthesia is headache. Usually self limiting and resolves in 3-5 days.
Yes, spinal anesthesia can lead to a very severe, positional headache that dissipates completely when supine, then recurs immediately and severely upon standing and walking.
A post-dural puncture or "spinal" headache can occur 1%-5% of the time after spinal anesthesia. Normally, it occurs very soon or immediately after the procedure. A true spinal headache is postural, meaning that it is much worse when sitting or standing and much better or disappears when lying down. Recently, there has been some concern about more persistent headaches following spinal anesthesia. Not enough is known about these headaches at this time to form any definitive conclusions about their origins or prognosis. If you have persistent headaches after any anesthetic, you should consult your anesthesia team and follow up with your doctor.
Yes, it is specifically called a post-dural puncture headache (PDPHA) and can last for awhile unless treated.
Yes.
Yes it did in the past when large bore needles were used. Today very fine needles are used so the incidence of headache after spinal anesthesia is negligible.
Yes, post dural puncture headache is common.
Yes, ask your anesthesiologist for instructions. In the meanwhile, stay in bed and keep hydrated.
