How to Cope With a Spinal Headache

Procedures that puncture the spinal cord such as an epidural or a spinal tap carry the risk of the puncture leaking cerebral spinal fluid and causing a terrible headache for the patient. This is known as a spinal, or epidural, headache. This can be an excruciating experience, but with treatment it can be gone in 48 hours. Without treatment, however, it could last up to 7 days.

Instructions

• 1

  Lie down. This won't get rid of the headache, but most people with spinal headaches get some relief from lying down.

• 2

  Hydrate. Drink plenty of water. It is important to increase the pressure in the cerebral spinal fluid. It may be possible to do this just by drinking plenty of fluids.

• 3

  Drink something with caffeine. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which helps boost pressure in the spinal fluid.

• 4

  Rest for 24 to 48 hours. This might be difficult if you just had a baby, but do the best you can to stay off your feet and in bed.

• 5

  Contact your doctor if none of these methods help. A procedure called a blood patch is a final option an anesthesiologist can perform. This involves taking a small amount of blood from the patient, and then injecting it into the hole in the spinal column. The blood clots and stops the leak, providing relief from the headache.