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

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.