Low cerebrospinal fluid pressure headache

For a description of low cerebrospinal fluid pressure headache, see Classifying headaches. The most common cause is a cerebrospinal fluid leak after dural puncture, but leaks can also be spontaneous or due to trauma.

Initial treatment may include rehydration with intravenous fluids, strictly horizontal (head not raised) bed rest for 24 hours, and caffeine (300 mg orally).

If these simple measures do not help after 24 hours, refer to an expert, because untreated low cerebrospinal fluid pressure headache can have neurological sequelae. An autologous blood patch may be considered.