Incidence and Predisposing Factors of Postdural Puncture Headache.

Abstract

          Cases of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) in Flatchaburi hospital during a 13-month period (October 1993-November 1994) were studied retrospectively. Of the total 2,093 cases collected, the incidence of PDPH was found to be 3.87%. In determining significant risk factors for PDPH, four parameters were studied, including age, sex, needle size, and presence or absence of coexisting pregnancy. Analysis was made by Z-test proportion. It was found that PDPH was significantly less common in the younger and older age groups and also in the male patients. Pregnancy has no apparent effect on the PDPH incidence, whereas the importance ofthe needle size is inconclusive due to uneven distribution of needle sizes applied.