Changing pattern of headache pointing to cerebral venous thrombosis after lumbar puncture and intravenous high-dose corticosteroids

OBJECTIVE: To emphasize the diagnostic importance of change in the headache pattern which pointed to cerebral venous thrombosis in two patients after lumbar puncture and high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone for suspected multiple sclerosis. RESULTS: Both patients had a diagnostic lumbar puncture for suspected multiple sclerosis and were treated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone. Both developed a postlumbar puncture headache that was initially postural, typical of low cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Three days later, the headache became constant, lost its postural component, and was associated with bilateral papilledema. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain disclosed superior sagittal and lateral sinuses thrombosis. The diagnostic difficulties of such cases and the potential role of lumbar puncture and corticosteroids as risk factors for cerebral venous thrombosis are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: When a typical postdural puncture headache loses its postural component, investigations should be performed to rule out cerebral venous thrombosis, particularly in the presence of other risk factors.     

Cerebral venous thrombosis initially considered as a complication of spinal-epidural anaesthesia

Cerebral venous thrombosis is an unusual condition characterized by headache, nausea, vomiting, focal deficits and epileptic seizures. In this case report we describe a patient who presented with headache and focal motor deficits after an uneventful Caesarean section, performed using combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed because of the pronounced neurological symptoms, and a diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis was made. The patient was treated with anticoagulant agents and made a complete recovery. This case emphasizes the importance of considering cerebral venous thrombosis in the differential diagnosis of headache in the post-partum period prior to instituting conventional therapy.     

Cerebral venous thrombosis after epidural blood patch: coincidence or causal relation? A case report and review of the literature

We report on a female patient who developed post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) after epidural analgesia for delivery. Treatment with epidural blood patch led to complete headache remission and the patient was discharged. Two days later the patient was readmitted with hemihypaesthesia and mild hemiparesis of the right side. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a small left parietal cortical haemorrhage probably following cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Coagulation screening detected heterozygous Factor V mutation. Headache is a common symptom of PDPH and CVT. Review of the literature revealed five patients in puerperal state, who developed CVT in close temporal relationship after blood patch treatment for PDPH . Change of headache character with loss of postural influence was reported frequently before diagnosis of CVT was confirmed. These findings may indicate a causal relationship.     

重症颅内静脉窦血栓形成的血管内治疗

目的:探讨重症颅内静脉窦血栓形成(CVST)血管内介入治疗方法的选择及其疗效。方法:根据10例重症CVST患者的病情采用经静脉接触性溶栓术、机械性破栓术、静脉窦内支架置入术及动脉溶栓术中的1种或多种。结果:10例患者均采用经静脉接触性溶栓术,其中2例联用机械性破栓术,2例联用静脉窦内支架置入术,4例联用动脉溶栓术。术后仅1例出现血管内治疗相关并发症(脑内血肿)。出院时,10例患者GCS评分均达15分,临床症状均改善,闭塞的静脉窦均再通。平均随访12个月,所有患者腰穿压力均恢复正常,未出现血栓再形成和新的神经系统症状。结论:对重症CVST患者积极采用合理的血管内介入治疗是有效的。     

Optic neuropathy,a warning for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and underlying dural arteriovenous fistulae

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) typically presents as headache, papilledema, and seizures. A dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is a rare intracranial vascular malformation, and common symptoms include headache, pulsatile tinnitus, and stroke. The occurrence of CVST as a complication of DAVF is infrequent. Moreover, optic neuropathy presenting as the initial symptom of CVST and secondary DAVF is also unusual. We present a case of a patient with optic neuropathy and persistent intracranial hypertension who underwent head magnetic resonance imaging, which indicated CVST. She received normative anticoagulant and dehydration therapy; however, a repeated lumbar puncture showed dramatically increased intracranial pressure. Further digital subtraction angiography revealed an intracranial DAVF. The patient was finally diagnosed with a DAVF and secondary CVST. This case indicates that intractable optic neuropathy could be an uncommon indicator for CVST and secondary DAVF. Early diagnosis and early treatment are essential for visual rehabilitation and prognosis improvement.     

Superior sagittal sinus thrombosis as unusual cause of headache: case report

Headache is the most frequent symptom in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis. However, patients presenting with headache due to cerebral venous thrombosis are uncommon. The association between oral contraceptives and cerebral venous thrombosis is well known. We report the case of a young woman who was admitted to our department for sudden onset of headache. She had been taking oral contraceptives for 6 months. Early pharmacological approach with analgesics failed to elleviate symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed thrombosis of the posterior and middle thirds of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). Because the patient was oligosymptomatic, medical treatment with high-dose heparin was started. A clinical follow-up showed headache regression after 2 weeks of therapy. Subsequent MRI showed partial recanalization of the SSS. The patient continued oral anticoagulants for 3 months. Eighteen months after discharge, the patient was symptom-free. We conclude that new, persistent or atypical headaches in patients taking oral contraceptives should be carefully evaluated for cerebral venous thrombosis. Received: 9 May 2001 / Accepted in revised form: 4 September 2001     

Traumatic intracerebral venous thrombosis associated with an abnormal golf swing

OBJECTIVES: To describe the occurrence of cerebral venous thrombosis in a 40-year-old man whose cerebral event was induced by a poor golf swing, to review the literature on possible mechanisms producing venous thrombosis, and to compare this case with the literature. BACKGROUND: Headache is the most frequent symptom in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis. However, patients presenting with a headache due to cerebral venous thrombosis are uncommon. The known risk factors for thrombosis include both acquired and genetic factors. When the interaction of these two groups occurs, the magnitude of this interaction is thought to produce a dynamic state that can favor thrombosis. Our case report illustrates that moderate levels of anticardiolipin antibodies together with the mild trauma of a golf swing can induce a cerebral venous thrombosis. This case also suggests that although headache is rarely due to cerebral venous thrombosis, it should be excluded by good medical acumen and testing. RESULTS: Minor trauma induced by a poor golf swing was chronologically related to the development of a progressive cerebral venous thrombosis. The patient had none of the risk factors associated with a predisposition to venous thrombosis: hypercoagulable state, concurrent infection, pregnancy/puerperium, collagen vascular disorder, malignancy, migraine, false-positive VDRL, previous deep vein thrombosis, renal disease, factor V Leiden, or a hematological disorder. There was no anatomical abnormality that would predispose the patient to a cerebral venous thrombosis. The only laboratory abnormality was a moderate anticardiolipin antibody level (25 GPL). The patient was placed on warfarin sodium therapy and is currently without clinical sequela from the venous thrombotic event. CONCLUSIONS: Under certain circumstances, minor trauma can induce cerebral venous thrombosis. A review of the literature indicates that cerebral venous thrombosis in the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies and in the absence of systemic lupus erythematosus is a rare event. Previously, only major traumatic events have been reported to be associated with cerebral venous thromboses. The chronological development of cerebral venous thrombosis after a faulty golf swing strongly indicates that given a background of moderate levels of anticardiolipin antibodies, even minor trauma can induce a venous thrombotic event.     

Frovatriptan for the prevention of postdural puncture headache

Bussone G, Tullo V, d'Onofrio F, Petretta V, Curone M, Frediani F, Tonini C & Omboni S. Frovatriptan for the prevention of postdural puncture headache. Cephalalgia 2007; 27:809–813. London. ISSN 0333-1024
Efficacy of 5-day treatment with oral frovatriptan 2.5 mg/die for the prophylaxis of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) was tested in 50 in-patients. A mild headache occurred in 7 (14%) patients for a total of 9 days (p < 0.01 vs. no-PDPH). Most episodes of PDPH occurred in the first days of treatment (only 1 patient had headache at dismissal): 5 patients had only 1 episode, while 2 had headache for 2 consecutive days. No other symptoms were recorded. Occurrence of PDPH in a subgroup of 6 (12%) patients previously submitted to a diagnostic lumbar puncture was also examined: 4 of them reported a PDPH on the previous lumbar puncture in absence of triptans. In only 1 of these 4 patients PDPH recurred under treatment with frovatriptan. In conclusion, our non-randomized open-label study suggests efficacy of oral frovatriptan for PDPH prevention. These results need to be confirmed in a randomized, controlled, double-blind study.     

Diagnostic lumbar puncture. Comparative study between 22–gauge pencil point and sharp bevel needle

Post-lumbar puncture headache is a frequent clinical problem. Needle design is expected to reduce post-puncture headache. In this study, we compared two different lumbar puncture needle designs in diagnostic lumbar puncture and analysed post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) and social and economical harm associated with the diagnostic lumbar puncture procedure. This prospective, controlled study consisted of 80 consecutive adult patients requiring elective diagnostic lumbar puncture due to various neurological symptoms. Lumbar puncture was completed either with Spinocan 22 G sharp bevel needle or Whitacre 22G pencil point needle. Patients were asked about previous headache symptoms and pain provoked by puncture. One week after the lumbar puncture all patients were interviewed by telephone and occurrence and type of headache, headache intensity, medication and frequency of impairment in activities of daily living were asked. Need for epidural blood patch was also recorded. Thirty-three of 78 (42%) patients experienced headache after diagnostic lumbar puncture and in 26 (33%) the headache could be classified as PDPH. There were no statistically significant differences between needle types in the frequency of common headache, PDPH, puncture pain intensity, need for epidural blood patch or sick leave. Also, there were no other complications except local back pain or headache. In this study, the needle design did not affect the frequency of PDPH. Also, PDPH was common, occurring in 33% cases and caused a considerable amount of disturbance in daily activities. Seeking help for this condition was insufficient and only part of these PDPH patients were treated with epidural blood patch.     

肿瘤患者PICC相关上肢无症状静脉血栓的临床调查研究

目的:分析肿瘤患者PICC相关上肢无症状静脉血栓形成的临床特点,为血栓早期预防提供理论依据.方法:选取2017年4月至2018年10月PICC置管的肿瘤患者127例,在置管前和置管后第2、7、14、21、28、35、42天应用彩色多普勒超声对置管侧上肢静脉的穿刺点、穿刺点上方2 cm处、肘窝上方10 cm处和腋窝4个部...     

Hypersensitivity to Substance P in the Etiology of Postlumbar Puncture Headache

Objective.-Postlumbar puncture headache may represent a model which could be used to test the hypothesis that headache pain is caused by the release of substance P in patients who are predisposed to headache due to hypersensitivity to substance P.
Methods.-We measured substance P in CSF and plasma in 37 patients undergoing diagnostic lumbar puncture. In 9 patients, plasma samples were obtained before lumbar puncture, in 28 patients plasma was obtained after lumbar puncture. Patients were followed up by telephone to determine if they developed postlumbar puncture headache. Patients were also asked about a history of chronic or recurrent headaches. Substance P was determined by radioimmunoassay.
Results.-The mean plasma substance P levels obtained before lumbar puncture was 1.0 ± 0.1 pg/mL and 1.3 ± 1.2 after lumbar puncture (P<0.0005). The mean plasma substance P levels in subjects who developed postlumbar puncture headache was 0.6 ± 0.6 pg/mL compared with 1.4 ± 1.5 in subjects who remained headache-free ( P <0.05). The mean CSF substance P levels in subjects who developed postlumbar puncture headache was 0.7 ± 0.5 pg/mL compared with 1.2 ± 0.8 in subjects who remained headache-free ( P <0.05). There were no significant differences in substance P levels between chronic headache sufferers and nonheadache subjects.
Conclusions.-Postlumbar puncture headache may be mediated by the release of substance P triggered by lumbar puncture, in patients predisposed to headache by a hypersensitivity to substance P. Hypersensitivity to substance P may also represent a mechanism for headache pain in other headache disorders.     

Sinus Venous Stenosis–Associated Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Without Papilledema as a Powerful Risk Factor for Progression and Refractoriness of Headache

Data from two recent studies strongly support the hypothesis that idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilledema (IIHWOP) could represent a powerful risk factor for the progression of pain in primary headache individuals. The first study highlights that an asymptomatic IIHWOP is much more prevalent than believed in the general population and occurs only in central venous stenosis carriers. In the second study, about one half of a large consecutive series of unresponsive primary chronic headache patients shows significant sinus venous stenosis. A continuous or intermittent IIHWOP was detectable in 91% of this subgroup and in no patient with normal venography. Moreover, after the lumbar puncture, a 2- to 4-week improvement in headache frequency was observed in most of the intracranial hypertensive patients. These findings strongly suggest that patients prone to primary headache who carry central venous outflow abnormalities are at high risk of developing a comorbid IIHWOP, which in turn is responsible for the progression and the unresponsiveness of the pain. Based on the available literature data, we propose that central sinus stenosis-related IIHWOP, although highly prevalent among otherwise healthy people, represents an important modifiable risk factor for the progression and refractoriness of pain in patients predisposed to primary headache. The mechanism could refer to up to one half of the primary chronic headache patients with minimal response to treatments referring to specialized headache clinics. Due to the clinical and taxonomic relevance of this hypothesis further studies are urgently needed.     

An MRI Study of Lumbar Puncture Headaches

We studied 11 patients undergoing a routine lumbar puncture to determine if there were cerebrospinal fluid leaks at the puncture site and whether the maximum volume of leakage correlates with a lumbar puncture headache. Patients completed a headache questionnaire before and after the lumbar puncture. Limited magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine was obtained 8 to 36 hours after the lumbar puncture and two patients also had later imaging. In a blinded fashion, the largest diameter of cerebrospinal fluid leakage into the paraspinous area was determined from T2 weighted magnetic resonance images and the maximum possible fluid volume was calculated. Six patients had a small cerebrospinal fluid leakage (< 10 mL), two had a medium leakage (10 to 110 mL), and three had a large leakage (> 110 mL). The volume of cerebrospinal fluid leakage did not corre late with occurrence of a lumbar puncture headache. The study demonstrates that cerebrospinal fluid usually leaks into the paraspinous area after a lumbar puncture, but the volume of escaped fluid does not correlate with a lumbar puncture headache.     

The forgotten lumbar puncture

Lumbar puncture is crucial in two distinct clinical situations in the diagnosis of the headache patient. The first is the patient who is suspected of having a symptomatic headache; the second is the patient with a chronic intractable or atypical headache disorder. This review discusses the usefulness of the lumbar puncture in the diagnosis of headache secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage, meningitis, and intracranial hypotension and hypertension. The value of lumbar puncture in the presence of a normal CT/MRI scan is discussed.     

Headache resembling tension-type headache as the single manifestation of Lyme neuroborreliosis

We present two patients with monosymptomatic headache resembling chronic tension-type headache as the first manifestation of Lyme neuroborreliosis. The headache developed over a few days in both cases and lasted for three months in the first case and for two and a half years in the second case before the diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis was made. Neuroimaging and many laboratory investigations did not lead to the diagnosis, which was only established after lumbar puncture. The CSF in both cases showed high protein, lymphocytic pleocytosis and Borrelia burgdorferi-specific intrathecal antibody synthesis. The headache disappeared completely after treatment with penicillin G. In patients suffering from daily headaches which have developed subacutely, Lyme neuroborreliosis should be considered even in the absence of signs of meningeal irritation. A lumbar puncture should be performed more often than is presently customary and the CSF should be examined for pleocytosis as well as Borrelia burgdorferi -specific intrathecal antibody synthesis.     

Unique Case of “Post‐Lumbar Puncture Headache”

Lumbar puncture (LP) is associated with complications that include post‐LP orthostatic headache, local bleeding, and subdural hematoma. We report a unique case of a spontaneous frontal epidural hematoma following a therapeutic lumbar puncture in a patient with a history of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. This case highlights the importance of symptomatology in patients following LPs by revealing a rare intracranial presentation that would be devastating if not discovered promptly and appropriately managed.     

Spinal intradural schwannoma presenting with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage: a case report and review of published reports

Acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) presentation is a very rare occurrence in spinal schwannomas. We report a case of lumbar schwannoma in a patient presenting first with acute SAH. A 40-year-old man was referred to our department 7 days after the sudden onset of headache, neck pain, and fever. SAH was suspected; however, head computed tomography (CT) findings were normal. A lumbar puncture indicated blood-stained cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Moreover, the CSF pressure changed from 200 mmH₂O to 90 mmH₂O after drainage of 10 mL of CSF indicating a blockage of CSF. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed an intradural tumor with SAH, which also caused blockage of the CSF circulation. The patient underwent immediate surgery and fully recovered. In conclusion, the early diagnosis and total removal of the tumor and blood clot significantly improved the patient’s outcome. There is a high index of suspicion for spinal tumors resulting in SAH when there is a CSF pressure change after lumbar puncture in an SAH patient.     

过度换气治疗腰椎穿刺术后头痛的临床研究

目的:探讨腰椎穿刺术后头痛的护理方法。方法:通过对56例腰穿剌后头痛患者经颅多普勒观察,发现腰穿后头痛与脑血管扩张有关。采用过度换气方法即让患者平卧位或侧卧位,过度换气3min,每分钟呼吸约40次,于3min后测定PaCO2。结果:有效42例,有效率75%。结论:腰穿后头痛患者采用过度换气方法,可造成轻度碱中毒,使脑血管收缩,纠正代偿性脑血管扩张,缓解头痛。该方法简便易行,见效快,护理中易实施。     

Bed rest after lumbar puncture: a nation-wide survey in Austria

BACKGROUND: Recommendations in medical textbooks concerning bed rest after lumbar puncture to prevent postpunctional headache vary between immediate mobilisation and 24 hours bed rest. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to evaluate the current practice in neurological departments. METHODS: We contacted all neurological departments in Austria by fax and asked about standards concerning bed rest after lumbar puncture and about the number of punctures per month. RESULTS: 28 out of 32 departments replied (88%). Fifty percent (n = 14) of the departments recommend 24 hours bed rest after lumbar puncture, recommendations of the other departments vary between immediate mobilisation (one department) and 16 hours bed rest. CONCLUSION: Current practice concerning bed rest after lumbar puncture varies widely in Austria and most patients are confined to bed for several hours. Even though there is evidence that bed rest does not prevent post lumbar puncture headache, there is so far no systematic review published in the medical literature.     

Impact of pseudotumor cerebri (idiopathic intracranial hypertension) in pregnancy: a case report

This case report reviews anesthetic management and medical considerations for a pregnant patient with a history of pseudotumor cerebri (PTC). The 24-year-old woman, gravida 2, paragravida 0, spontaneous abortion 1, was in active labor at an estimated 38 weeks' gestation and had been given a diagnosis of PTC 4 years earlier. This patient first experienced global headaches and blurred vision at age 20 years. At the time of onset of her headache symptoms, she underwent a full diagnostic workup and detailed neurologic examination, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and a lumbar puncture. The MRI was normal. Her lumbar puncture showed elevated cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) pressures and normal CSF composition. The patient's initial symptoms of headache and blurred vision were managed with medication and serial lumbar punctures. The patient was free of PTC symptoms on admission for labor. A lumbar epidural was placed for labor analgesia. The patient delivered a healthy infant after approximately 10.5 hours of patient-controlled epidural analgesia.