Medical College of Wisconsin
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Prevention and management of post-lumbar puncture headache in pediatric oncology patients. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs 2007;24(4):200-7

Date

06/26/2007

Pubmed ID

17588892

DOI

10.1177/1043454207303884

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-34250778368 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   12 Citations

Abstract

Pediatric oncology patients are at risk for developing a headache after they undergo a lumbar puncture for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. These headaches are likely due to leakage of cerebrospinal fluid at the puncture site. While usually mild and self-limited, some headaches may be persistent and severe, adding to the distress of these young patients. In the past 10 years, refinements in lumbar needle size and shape as well as procedural techniques have reduced the tissue trauma that predisposes patients to headache. A number of interventions, such as bed rest, hydration, caffeine administration, and epidural blood patching, have been suggested to prevent and relieve the headaches that follow lumbar punctures. This article outlines the pathophysiology and incidence of headaches related to lumbar punctures in the pediatric oncology setting and reviews the evidence from research trials to suggest which interventions clinicians should adopt into their practice to minimize this complication of lumbar punctures.

Author List

Lee LC, Sennett M, Erickson JM

Author

Jeanne M. Erickson PhD, RN Associate Professor in the College of Nursing department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Bed Rest
Blood Patch, Epidural
Caffeine
Central Nervous System Stimulants
Child
Early Ambulation
Evidence-Based Medicine
Fluid Therapy
Health Services Needs and Demand
Humans
Incidence
Nursing Evaluation Research
Oncology Nursing
Pediatric Nursing
Post-Dural Puncture Headache
Posture
Primary Prevention
Risk Factors
Spinal Puncture