Efficacy of bilateral greater occipital nerve block in postdural puncture headache: a narrative review.

Abstract

The Epidural blood patch is considered the gold standard for managing postdural puncture headache when supportive measures fail. However, it is a procedure which can lead to another inadvertent dural puncture. Other potential adverse events that could occur during a blood patch are meningitis, neurological deficits, and unconsciousness. The bilateral greater occipital nerve block has been used for treating chronic headaches in patients with PDPH with a single injection. This minimally invasive, simple procedure can be considered for patients early, along with other supportive treatment, and an epidural blood patch can be avoided.

• Authors: Abhijit S Nair, Praveen Kumar Kodisharapu, Poornachand Anne, Mohammad Salman Saifuddin, Christopher Asiel, Basanth Kumar Rayani
• Journal: The Korean journal of pain (Korean J Pain) Vol. 31 Issue 2 Pg. 80-86 (Apr 2018) ISSN: 2005-9159 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 29686805 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)