What is a 'spinal headache'?

What is a 'spinal headache'?

Samuel Seelig (Anesthesiologist, Los Angeles, California) gives expert video advice on: What are the risks of general anesthesia?; Is it true that some people remain aware during surgery, despite anesthesia?; What is the safest method of anesthesia? and more...

A spinal headache is seen after a spinal tap or a spinal anaesthetic is performed. A small nick in the Dura, which is the membrane outside of the spinal canal, is made when the spinal needle punctures it. If cerebral spinal fluid leaks out in any significant quantity, a spinal headache can ensue. It can be a mild headache and present as nausea, dizziness, ringing in the ears, some hearing deficit and some visual changes, or it can be the mother of all headaches. A bad spinal headache is very specific in its presentation. When the patient sits up, stands up, coughs, or bears down it feels as if their head is blowing off their shoulders. When they lie down the headache goes away immediately. This is diagnostic of a spinal headache.