Differentiating the headache of cerebral venous thrombosis from post-dural puncture: A headache for anaesthesiologists

Abstract

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare complication of lumbar puncture. Occasionally, the clinical picture of CVT may mimic post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) resulting in delayed diagnosis. A case of PDPH progressing to CVT is presented and the pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges and management options discussed in this article.

Keywords

• Blood patch
• cerebral venous thrombosis
• post-dural puncture headache