PREVALENCE OF POST- LUMBER PUNCTURE HEADACHE; A QUANTITATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING LP PROCEDURE

Abstract

Background:  Lumbar puncture is  a necessary diagnostic procedure but it also increase the risk of post lumbar puncture headache which have a major influence on patient recovery, comfort and healthcare burden.

Objective: This study sought to determine the occurrence, feature, and determination of post lumbar puncture headache (PLPH) in patients having lumbar puncture at a tertiary hospitals. It also examined the procedural demographic characteristics to find modifiable factors that minimize the frequency and severity of PLPH in clinical practice.

Materials and Methods:  A cross sectional research study was undertaken from January 2025 to June 2025 including 148 patients undergoing lumbar puncture using non probability purposive sampling technique. Data were gathered on demographic and procedural characteristics after confirmation from IRB of Iqra national University. Statistical analysis were conducted using Chi square test and logistic regression model via SPSS version 30.

Results: PLPH was reported by 45.9% of patients. Atraumatic needle were utilized in 63.5% of operation, and they were linked with significantly lower incidence of PLPH (p=0.004). Multiple puncture attempts and resident level operators were associated with an increased incidence of headaches. The 25G needle was more protective with a 58% decreased PLPH risk compared to 20G and 22G (0.021). Most headache started within 6-24 hours which were widespread and throbbing, and lasted 2-3 days. Common symptoms were nausea and stiffness in the neck. The majority of patients responded well to conservative therapy with only 9.5% requiring blood patch. Gender and hydration did not indicated any significant connection.

Conclusion: PLPH is a common complication caused by procedure method rather patient demographics. Using atraumatic and thinner gauge needles, reducing puncture attempts, and assuring trained operators can all helps to minimize danger greatly. These findings support the use of evidence based approach to reduce PLPH in resource constrained healthcare settings