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Post-Dural Puncture Headache — SCE Neurology MCQ

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EasyHeadache & Facial PainPost-Dural Puncture HeadacheSCE Neurology

A 55-year-old man with post-dural puncture headache (throbbing, worse upright, relieved flat) developing 30 min post-LP. No fever. What is the first-line management?

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Correct answer: C — Conservative — bed rest, hydration, analgesia, caffeine

PDPH is caused by CSF leak through the dural puncture site. First-line management is conservative: hydration, simple analgesics, and oral caffeine. If symptoms persist >5 days or are severe, epidural blood patch is definitive. A: No infection. C: Postural headache post-LP is clinical. D: Low pressure, not raised. E: Not CVST.

Reference: ABN LP Guidelines