PDPH
Medical abbreviation · Anesthesia
| Stands for | Post-dural puncture headache |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PDPH stands for Post-dural puncture headache, an anesthesia abbreviation.
Headache after a puncture of the dura from spinal anesthesia, lumbar puncture or an accidental puncture during epidural placement, caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. It is characteristically worse when sitting or standing, relieved by lying flat and usually begins within a few days.
Example: Positional headache on day 2 after an epidural wet tap: PDPH, blood patch scheduled.
Usage notes
Pencil-point needles such as Whitacre or Sprotte and smaller gauges reduce the risk. Many cases resolve within a week with fluids, caffeine and analgesics; persistent or severe headaches are treated with an epidural blood patch, injecting the patient's own blood into the epidural space. Accidental puncture with a large epidural needle carries a high headache risk.
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.