Treatment of Post-dural Puncture Headache in Postpartum Patients: Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block to Epidural Blood Patch.

Treatment of Post-dural Puncture Headache in Postpartum Parturients: Comparing Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block to Epidural Blood Patch.

The purpose of this research study is to compare the effectiveness of a sphenopalatine ganglion block to an epidural blood patch for post-dural puncture headache relief in randomized postpartum parturients over a 48 hour period.

The purpose of this research study is to compare the effectiveness of a sphenopalatine ganglion block to an epidural blood patch for post-dural puncture headache relief in randomized postpartum parturients over a 48 hour period. A known dural puncture is defined as free flow of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) during neuraxial placement. An unknown dural puncture is defined as neuraxial placement where free flow of CSF is not appreciated, however the patient is diagnosed with a post-dural puncture headache as defined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders.

Inclusion Criteria

1. Age 18 years or age or greater

2. Postpartum obstetric parturient who was previously admitted to UCH.

3. Diagnosis of post-dural puncture headache based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders:

   1. Dural puncture has been performed
   2. Headache has developed within 5 days of the dural puncture
   3. Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.
   4. Occurring immediately or within seconds of assuming an upright position and resolving quickly (within 1 minute) after lying horizontally.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Refusal to participate in the study
2. Placement of an EBP within the past 5 days
3. Allergy and/or intolerance to any the study materials
4. Contraindications to an EBP
5. Plan for therapeutic anticoagulation post-partum