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Mayo Clinic Housecall
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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSpinal headache symptoms include:
- Pain that varies in intensity from mild to incapacitating
- Pain that typically gets worse when you sit up or stand and decreases or goes away when you lie down
Spinal headaches are often accompanied by:
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
- Visual changes
When to see a doctor
Tell your doctor if you develop a headache after a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia — especially if the headache gets worse when you sit up or stand.
References
- Sun C, et al. Post-lumbar puncture headache. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 8, 2009.
- Johnson KS, et al. Lumbar puncture: Technique; indications; contraindications; and complications in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 8, 2009.
- Postdural (post-lumbar) puncture headache. International Headache Society. http://ihs-classification.org/en/02_klassifikation/03_teil2/07.02.01_nonvascular.html. Accessed Dec. 8, 2009.
- Primary headache disorders, including migraine. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/detail_headache.htm#142883138. Accessed Dec. 9, 2009.
- Adverse effects of neuraxial analgesia and anesthesia for obstetrics. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 11, 2009.
- Post-lumbar puncture and other low-pressure headaches. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec16/ch216/ch216e.html. Accessed Dec. 9, 2009.
- Swanson JW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 23, 2009.
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