Spinal Headaches

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.