Epidural blood patch
Epidural Blood Patch
An Epidural Blood Patch (pronunciation: epi-dur-al blud patch) is a medical procedure used primarily to treat spinal headaches caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The term "epidural" is derived from the Greek words "epi" meaning "upon" and "dura" meaning "hard", referring to the procedure's location upon the dura mater, one of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain. The term "blood patch" refers to the use of the patient's own blood to "patch" or seal the site of the fluid leak.
Procedure
The procedure involves the injection of a small amount of the patient's own blood into the epidural space, which is the area between the spinal cord and the inner surface of the spinal canal. This creates a clot that patches the hole in the dura mater, preventing further leakage of cerebrospinal fluid and relieving the associated headache.
Indications
An Epidural Blood Patch is typically indicated for patients who have a persistent spinal headache following a lumbar puncture or epidural anesthesia, and for whom conservative treatments such as bed rest, hydration, and pain medication have been ineffective.
Risks and Complications
While generally considered safe, the procedure carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. Rarely, the injected blood can cause a pressure increase in the spinal fluid, leading to a condition known as intracranial hypotension.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Epidural blood patch
- Wikipedia's article - Epidural blood patch
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