POSTDURAL PUNCTURE HEADACHE IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY PATIENTS

This prospective cohort study determined the incidence and risk factor s for development of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) in children af ter lumbar puncture (LP), Eighty-six children were enrolled. LPs were performed with use of 22-gauge spinal needles with the bevel oriented parallel to the long axis of the spine. Follow-up telephone interviews and patients' diary of symptoms were collected. Headache brought on b y sitting up and relieved by lying down was defined as PDPH. Of the 80 who completed the study, six (8%) developed PDPH. Two (3%) were less than 6 years old and four (5%) were 6 to 12 years of age. Children wit h a history of headache following a previous LP were nine times as lik ely to experience PDPH. PDPH occurs not infrequently in children. A pr ior history of headache is a predisposing factor.