Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common complication associated with neuraxial anesthesia and diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP). PDPH is defined as a bilateral headache that develops within 7 days and disappears within 14 days after the dural puncture with a distinct postural quality. PDPH causes significant short-term disability, prevents ambulation and care of the newborn (in obstetrics), and results in a prolonged hospital stay.
The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is an extra-cranial neural structure located in the pterygopalatine fossa that has both sympathetic and parasympathetic components as well as somatic sensory roots. The trans-nasal approach is a low risk, noninvasive technique that is easily performed and could potentially be beneficial in the treatment of PDPH through blocking the parasympathetic flow to the cerebral vasculature through the sphenopalatine ganglion which will allow the cerebral vessels to return to normal diameter and thus relieve the headache. The greater occipital nerve contains sensory fibers from C2 and C3 segments of medulla spinals. It arises from the dorsal ramus of C2 segment, contains a thin branch from C3 segment, and innerves the medial aspect of posterior scalp up to the anterior aspect of vertex. Greater occipital nerve block (GONB) inhibits the pain sensation of this region. There is some evidence to suggest the effectiveness of GONB in the management of PDPH. Nowadays, guidelines for the management of PDPH were modified and included GONB as a part of standard management of PDPH. * Dexamethasone possess potent antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive actions by inhibiting cytokine-mediated pathways. * Many providers believe that the local anesthetic produces the rapid onset of headache relief, like an abortive agent, and that the locally acting steroid produces the preventive like action of up to 6 weeks.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
93
patients will receive bilateral sphenopalatine ganglion block using 3ml mixture of 2ml 2% lidocaine plus 1ml dexamethasone 4mg (on each nostril).
patients will receive bilateral greater occipital nerve block using a mixture of 3ml of 2ml 2% lidocaine plus 1ml dexamethasone 4mg (on each side of the occipital region).
Assiut University Hospital
Asyut, Assiut Governorate, Egypt
Numeric rating pain score
pain score
Time frame: from intervention up to 24 hours
Numeric rating pain score for headache.
pain score
Time frame: from intervention up to 24 hours
Analgesic consumption
The total dose of analgesics.
Time frame: from intervention up to 24 hours
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