Headache and other adverse effects of myelography

Abstract

Objetive: To determine the frequency and distribution in time ofthe side effects of myelography done by lumbar puncture, and toexplore the existing relationship between headache post-myelography with variables that depend on the patient, the examiner and theprocedure. Methodology: Prospective cohort study conformed with274 patients. Results: The headache incidence was similar to theobserved in the United States and Europe. Headache is the most frequent side effect, but postmyelography headache is less frequent in young and old ages. We identified that lumbar puncture and absenceof a previous history headache are protective factors; the only riskfactor found was the patient walking after the procedure was done.Conclusions: Side effects after myelography can be diminishedwith the change of some simple conducts, like the way the patientleaves after the procedure.

Keywords

• Myelography
• lumbar puncture
• adverse effects
• postdural puncture headache
• headache