Complications after LP related to needle type: pencil-point versus Quincke

Objectives - We studied the incidence of complications after diagnostic lum bar puncture (LP) related to needle type. Material ann methods - A 5 months ' observational study of routine diagnostic LP in 83 patients was conducted . Results - Significantly more headache was observed after LP using thicker cutting needles (20G Quincke) compared with thinner cutting or non-cutting needles (22G Quincke or pencil-point). No significant difference in compli cations after LP was found between the 22G Quincke and pencil-point needles . Conclusion - The size of the needle and not the needle shape seems to be the main determinant for post-dural puncture headache (PDPH).