Abstract

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is an uncommon but not rare cause of new onset daily persistent headaches in young and middle-aged individuals, but initial misdiagnosis is common. The underlying cause is a spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Typically the headache is orthostatic in nature but other headache patterns occur as well. Associated symptoms are common and include neck pain, a change in hearing, diplopia, facial numbness, cognitive abnormalities and even coma. The spectrum of clinical and radiographic manifestations is varied, with diagnosis largely based on clinical suspicion, cranial magnetic resonance imaging, and myelography. Numerous treatment options are available, but outcomes have been poorly studied and much remains to be learned about this disorder. Lumbar puncture is a frequently performed procedure in neurological emergencies and anaesthesia. The typical nature of headache after lumbar puncture is also orthostatic like that of SIH. This article also deals with some part of headache after lumbar puncture.