Overview
Diagnosis
To diagnose a spinal headache, a healthcare provider begins by asking detailed questions about your headache and reviewing your medical history. It is important to mention any recent medical procedures, especially a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia, as these are common causes of spinal headaches.
A physical examination is done to assess your overall condition and to look for signs that might suggest other causes of headache. In some cases, further testing is needed to rule out more serious conditions.
Your provider may recommend magnetic resonance imaging. This test uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of the brain. MRI helps exclude other possible causes of headache and supports the diagnosis of a spinal headache when findings match your symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for spinal headaches usually starts with conservative care. Many spinal headaches improve on their own with basic measures, including:
• Bed rest
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Consuming caffeine
• Taking oral pain relievers
If the headache does not improve within about 24 hours, a more targeted treatment may be recommended. An epidural blood patch is often used for spinal headaches that persist and do not resolve on their own.
During this procedure, a small amount of your blood is injected into the space near the site of the puncture. The blood forms a clot that helps seal the leak, restores normal pressure in the spinal fluid, and relieves the headache.
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