Which statement about postspinal headaches is true?

Which statement about postspinal headaches is true?

• A. Early ambulation increases the risk
• B. The timing of ambulation affects the incidence
• C. The timing of ambulation has not been shown to affect incidence
• D. Headache occurs only in young patients

Answer: (C)

Postspinal headaches come from the CSF leak at the dural puncture site after spinal anesthesia. This leakage lowers intracranial pressure, causing a headache that worsens when upright and improves when lying down. The main factors that determine whether this headache occurs are the puncture technique and needle, with larger or cutting needles producing bigger leaks and higher risk, while smaller, atraumatic needles reduce risk. Importantly, the timing of ambulation after the puncture has not been shown to affect the incidence of PDPH, so starting to walk early or staying in bed does not reliably change the likelihood of developing the headache. The statement about ambulation timing not affecting incidence is the true one.

Postspinal headaches come from the CSF leak at the dural puncture site after spinal anesthesia. This leakage lowers intracranial pressure, causing a headache that worsens when upright and improves when lying down. The main factors that determine whether this headache occurs are the puncture technique and needle, with larger or cutting needles producing bigger leaks and higher risk, while smaller, atraumatic needles reduce risk. Importantly, the timing of ambulation after the puncture has not been shown to affect the incidence of PDPH, so starting to walk early or staying in bed does not reliably change the likelihood of developing the headache. The statement about ambulation timing not affecting incidence is the true one.