Lumbar Epidural Blood Patch

An epidural blood patch is a highly effective procedure for treating post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) — a severe headache that occurs after a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), epidural procedure, or accidental dural puncture.

What Is a Post-Dural Puncture Headache?

When the dural membrane surrounding the spinal cord is punctured — intentionally during a spinal tap, or accidentally during an epidural procedure — cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can leak through the opening. This loss of CSF causes a positional headache: severe when sitting or standing, dramatically improved when lying flat.

PDPH can be debilitating, interfering with daily function for days to weeks if left untreated.

How a Blood Patch Works

A small amount of your own blood (15–20 mL) is drawn from a vein in your arm, then immediately injected into the epidural space at the level of the dural puncture under sterile conditions. The blood forms a clot that seals the CSF leak — typically resolving the headache within hours.

Effectiveness

The epidural blood patch is remarkably effective: approximately 70–90% of patients experience complete or near-complete relief after a single treatment. A second blood patch is effective in the majority of those who have only partial relief from the first.

The Procedure

The procedure is performed in the same manner as an epidural injection, with the patient lying on their side. Sterile technique is used throughout. Blood is drawn, placed into a syringe, and injected through the epidural needle. The patient lies flat for 30–60 minutes after the procedure.

When to Seek Treatment

If you develop a severe positional headache (much worse when sitting or standing, better when lying down) after a spinal tap, spinal anesthesia, or any epidural procedure, contact our office promptly. Most PDPH cases requiring a blood patch present within 24–72 hours of the inciting procedure.

Contact Us

Call 516-492-3100 for prompt evaluation and treatment of post-dural puncture headache.