Efficacy of bilateral greater occipital nerve block in postdural puncture headache: a narrative review

Author: Abhijit S NAIR ¹ ; Praveen Kumar KODISHARAPU ; Poornachand ANNE ; Mohammad Salman SAIFUDDIN ; Christopher ASIEL ; Basanth Kumar RAYANI
Author Information

1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. abhijitnair95@gmail.com
Publication Type:Review
Keywords: Epidural blood patch; Greater occipital nerve; Nerve block; Pain management; Postdural puncture headache; Ultrasound
MeSH: Blood Patch, Epidural; Headache Disorders; Humans; Meningitis; Nerve Block; Pain Management; Post-Dural Puncture Headache; Punctures; Ultrasonography; Unconsciousness
From:The Korean Journal of Pain 2018;31(2):80-86
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: The Epidural blood patch is considered the gold standard for managing postdural puncture headache when supportive measures fail. However, it is a procedure which can lead to another inadvertent dural puncture. Other potential adverse events that could occur during a blood patch are meningitis, neurological deficits, and unconsciousness. The bilateral greater occipital nerve block has been used for treating chronic headaches in patients with PDPH with a single injection. This minimally invasive, simple procedure can be considered for patients early, along with other supportive treatment, and an epidural blood patch can be avoided.