A spinal headache is a specific type of headache caused by low intracranial (skull) pressure. Typically these occur after a lumbar puncture or other intervention involving the dural sac (sac surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
The diagnosis of a spinal headache is made using the patients' symptoms and history of prior procedures. CT or MRIs are used to diagnose the spinal headache.
Treatments for spinal headaches include medications such as NSAIDs and caffeine. Symptoms typically subside within 2 to 3 days. An epidural blood patch may be used for treatment if a spinal headache continues.