Spinal Headaches

Overview

A spinal headache is an intense headache that happens when the amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around your brain decreases. It can result from a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or if CSF leaks out due to a cyst or tear in the meninges that cover your spinal cord.

Your brain and spinal cord have a surrounding protective layer of CSF. It contains nutrients that your brain can use. The CSF layer also supports and cushions your brain and spinal cord from sudden movements.

A leakage of CSF reduces the amount of fluid around your brain. The leakage can cause the tissues and nerves that support your brain to stretch, resulting in headache pain.

Spinal headaches are also known by the following names:

Post-dural puncture headaches.
Epidural headaches.
Low-pressure headaches.

How common are spinal headaches?

Studies show that a spinal headache develops in approximately 10% to 40% of lumbar puncture procedures.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.