Case report: Epidural blood patch in the treatment of abducens palsy after a dural puncture

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on postdural puncture headache: a consensus report from a multisociety international working group

INTRODUCTION

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) can follow unintentional dural puncture during epidural techniques or intentional dural puncture during neuraxial procedures such as a lumbar puncture or spinal anesthesia. Evidence-based guidance on the prevention, diagnosis or management of this condition is, however, currently lacking. This multisociety guidance aims to fill this void and provide practitioners with comprehensive information and patient-centric recommendations to prevent, diagnose and manage patients with PDPH.

METHODS

Based on input from committee members and stakeholders, the committee cochairs developed 10 review questions deemed important for the prevention, diagnosis and management of PDPH. A literature search for each question was performed in MEDLINE (Ovid) on 2 March 2022. The results from each search were imported into separate Covidence projects for deduplication and screening, followed by data extraction. Additional relevant clinical trials, systematic reviews and research studies published through March 2022 were also considered for the development of guidelines and shared with contributors. Each group submitted a structured narrative review along with recommendations graded according to the US Preventative Services Task Force grading of evidence. The interim draft was shared electronically, with each collaborator requested to vote anonymously on each recommendation using two rounds of a modified Delphi approach.

RESULTS

Based on contemporary evidence and consensus, the multidisciplinary panel generated 50 recommendations to provide guidance regarding risk factors, prevention, diagnosis and management of PDPH, along with their strength and certainty of evidence. After two rounds of voting, we achieved a high level of consensus for all statements and recommendations. Several recommendations had moderate-to-low certainty of evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

These clinical practice guidelines for PDPH provide a framework to improve identification, evaluation and delivery of evidence-based care by physicians performing neuraxial procedures to improve the quality of care and align with patients' interests. Uncertainty remains regarding best practice for the majority of management approaches for PDPH due to the paucity of evidence. Additionally, opportunities for future research are identified.

Computerised modified paramedian approach technique versus conventional midline approach technique of lumbar puncture: a randomised control trial protocol

INTRODUCTION

The lumbar puncture (LP) technique is widely used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In recent years, the paramedian approach technique (PAT) has gained increasing interest due to its advantages over the conventional midline approach technique (MAT) that has been traditionally employed in clinical practice for LP. However, there have been inconsistent discussions regarding the efficacy of different LP techniques. Based on digital virtual human and computer simulation techniques, a new approach called computerised modified PAT (CMPAT) was proposed. Therefore, the aim of this study is to discuss a randomised controlled trial (RCT) protocol to investigate and compare the effects of CMPAT and MAT in patients undergoing LP.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a prospective, multicentre RCT. The study will recruit 84 patients aged 18-99 years who require LP. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the CMPAT treatment group (group A) or the MAT treatment group (group B). The primary outcome measure will be the number of needle insertion attempts required for a successful LP. Secondary outcomes will include the puncture success rate, pain assessment in the back, head, and legs, and the occurrence of complications. The measurement of these secondary outcomes will be taken during the procedure, as well as at specific time points: 30 min, 6 hours, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the procedure. Pain levels will be assessed using a Numerical Rating Scale.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval (2022YF052-01) has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China. The research findings will be published in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal and presented at scientific conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2300067937.

Abducens paralysis-a rare complication of spinal anesthesia at an emergency department: a case report

The sixth cranial nerve (CN VI) is a rare site of complication associated with spinal anesthesia and can produce secondary symptoms of ocular muscle palsy. A 38-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department with complaint of diplopia and limited lateral gaze in the first week after endoscopic urological surgery under spinal anesthesia. Isolated unilateral CN VI palsy was considered after excluding differential diagnoses. Ocular palsy and diplopia regressed with conservative treatment during follow-up, and the patient was discharged. This article aims to show that CN VI palsy is a rare complication of spinal anesthesia, which can be observed in the emergency department.

Low-Pressure Hydrocephalus and Shunt Malfunction Following a Lumbar Puncture in an Adult Reversed by an Epidural Blood Patch

Background

Low-pressure hydrocephalus (LPH) is a relatively rare condition, and its presentation is similar to the classically seen high-pressure hydrocephalus, with headaches, cranial nerve dysfunction, ataxia, and disturbances of consciousness. Cerebral cerebrospinal fluid loss in the presence of altered brain viscoelastic properties has previously been suggested as the pathophysiologic process leading to ventriculomegaly, despite low or negative intracranial pressures and patent shunts. More recently, cerebral venous overdrainage has been proposed as a possible explanation in the pathogenesis of LPH, although its connection to lumbar punctures in patients with shunts has not been contemplated yet. The effectiveness of epidural blood patch in the management of post-lumbar puncture LPH has been shown in children but has not been reported in adults.

Case Description

Herein we detail 2 episodes of shunt malfunction in a 30-year-old female patient with a history of hydrocephalus related to a posterior fossa tumor diagnosed during childhood. In both instances, imaging studies demonstrated ventricular dilation along with perimedullary cistern enlargement and brainstem distortion, which occurred following a lumbar puncture despite a patent shunt. A lumbar blood patch was effective in both episodes, enabling resolution of the ventriculomegaly and a good outcome.

Conclusions

A blood patch can be efficient in adults with post-lumbar puncture LPH. Some symptoms may be explained by brainstem compression caused by enlarged cerebrospinal fluid spaces at the skull base. The role of cerebral venous overdrainage in the setting of post-lumbar puncture LPH is further supported.

Treatment of obstetric post-dural puncture headache. Part 2: epidural blood patch

The 2009-12 MBRRACE-UK report highlighted the deaths of two women in whom dural puncture had occurred during insertion of a labour epidural catheter. Despite suffering long-term headaches, neither woman was adequately followed-up after discharge from hospital. Death resulted from a cerebral vein thrombosis in one case and a subdural haematoma in the other. Due to significant variation in the treatment of obstetric post-dural puncture headache, an Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association working group was set up to produce evidence-based guidelines to guide clinicians. These guidelines have been condensed into two review articles. In this second review, the role of an epidural blood patch is discussed using a question and answer format.

Epidural blood patch treatment of diplopia that developed after headache resolution in a patient with spontaneous intracranial hypotension

Sudden headache onset may rarely be caused by spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Other associated symptoms in patients with SIH are nausea, vomiting, vertigo, hearing alteration, and visual disturbance. This case report describes a 43-year-old female diagnosed with SIH who developed diplopia after resolution of an abrupt-onset headache, which was managed with conservative treatments, including bed rest and hydration. She was also diagnosed with secondary right sixth cranial nerve palsy. Although conservative management relieved her headache, the diplopia was not fully relieved. Application of an autologous epidural blood patch successfully relieved her diplopia, even after 14 days from the onset of visual impairment.

Postdural Puncture Headache Treated With Epidural Blood Patch and Subsequent Resolution of Atypical Odontalgia: A Case Report

A 37-year-old gravida 5 para 4 with gestational hypertension underwent uneventful repeat cesarean delivery and tubal ligation under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. On postoperative day 3, she developed a postural headache, unrelieved by caffeine, ibuprofen, and hydration. On postoperative day 8, she returned to the hospital for treatment. An epidural blood patch was administered, providing immediate and complete relief of her headache and bilateral upper and lower dental pain, which she noted arising concomitantly with her headache. We suspect bilateral traction on cranial nerve V2 and V3, secondary to intracranial hypotension after dural puncture, as the cause of her pain.

Cranial nerve palsy secondary to cerebrospinal fluid diversion

OBJECTIVE

Cranial nerve palsy (CNP) secondary to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion is less familiar to us as a result of its rarity in incidence and insidiousness in presentation. This study aims to further expound the pathophysiological mechanism, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management and prognosis of CNP.

METHODS

From June 2012 to February 2015, 5 of 347 consecutive patients with CNPs secondary to different CSF diversion procedures were treated at our institution. A systematic PubMed search of published studies written in English for patients developing CNPs after CSF diversion procedures from January 1950 to June 2015 was conducted.

RESULTS

Overall, 29 studies and 5 patients of the current series totaling 53 CNPs met the inclusion criteria. CN II, III, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII were got involved in 2 (3.8%), 2 (3.8%), 5 (9.4%), 1 (1.9%), 44 (83.0%), 4 (7.5%) and 1 (1.9%) patients respectively. Thirty-eight patients (71.7%) developed CNPs following inadvertent lumbar puncture, 8 (15.1%) following lumbar drainage, and 7 (13.2%) following ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Forty-eight (90.6%) patients got resolved completely.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed mechanism of CNP after CSF diversion procedure is CSF hypovolemia and subsequent downward displacement of the brain and traction and distortion of the vascular and peripheral neural structures. As a result of its distinct anatomic characteristics rather than long intracranial course, CN VI is most commonly affected. With early recognition and timely conservative management, most patients could get favorable recovery.

Cranial nerve VI palsy after dural-arachnoid puncture

In this article, we provide a literature review of cranial nerve (CN) VI injury after dural-arachnoid puncture. CN VI injury is rare and ranges in severity from diplopia to complete lateral rectus palsy with deviated gaze. The proposed mechanism of injury is cerebrospinal fluid leakage causing intracranial hypotension and downward displacement of the brainstem. This results in traction on CN VI leading to stretch and neural demyelination. Symptoms may present 1 day to 3 weeks after dural-arachnoid puncture and typically are associated with a postdural puncture (spinal) headache. Resolution of symptoms may take weeks to months. Use of small-gauge, noncutting spinal needles may decrease the risk of intracranial hypotension and subsequent CN VI injury. When ocular symptoms are present, early administration of an epidural blood patch may decrease morbidity or prevent progression of ocular symptoms.

Epidural Blood Patch for the Treatment of Abducens Nerve Palsy due to Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension -A Case Report-

Intracranial hypotension is characterized by a postural headache which is relieved in a supine position and worsened in a sitting or standing position. Although less commonly reported than postural headache, sixth nerve palsy has also been observed in intracranial hypotension. The epidural blood patch (EBP) has been performed for postdural puncture headache, but little is known about the proper timing of EBP in the treatment of sixth nerve palsy due to intracranial hypotension. This article reports a case of sixth nerve palsy due to spontaneous intracranial hypotension which was treated by EBP 10 days after the onset of palsy.

Cranial nerve III palsy resulting from intracranial hypotension caused by cerebrospinal fluid leak after paraspinal tumor resection: etiology and treatment options

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Intracranial hypotension typically occurs spontaneously. Acquired or secondary intracranial hypotension is less common but has been reported after spinal procedures, such as lumbar puncture. Cranial nerve (CN) III palsy is a rare sequela of intracranial hypotension. There are currently no established or standard interventions to treat intracranial hypotension.

PURPOSE

To describe a case of delayed CN III palsy resulting from intracranial hypotension because of a spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak occurring during resection of a paraspinous tumor.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

A 41-year-old woman underwent resection of a large thoracic schwannoma complicated by dural tear. Postoperatively, the patient was neurologically normal. She subsequently became acutely unresponsive and required reintubation. She awakened with intermittent headaches and was noted to have a right ptosis, which progressed to a complete right CN III palsy.

RESULTS

Initial head computed tomography showed evidence of a small, right-sided subdural hematoma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement and crowding of the foramen magnum consistent with intracranial hypotension. The patient's symptoms were treated successfully with flat bed rest. She fully recovered by time of discharge and at 6-month follow-up was neurologically normal.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal surgery complicated by CSF leak is a potential cause of intracranial hypotension. Although most commonly associated with positional headaches, intracranial hypotension can cause uncommon symptoms, including acute mental status changes and CN deficits. Symptoms highly suspicious for intracranial hypotension accompanied by MRI of the brain are important for establishing a diagnosis of intracranial hypotension. Conservative treatment should be considered before attempting invasive intervention. As in the case presented, simple bed rest was a successful treatment option.

Unrecognized dural puncture during epidural analgesia in obstetrics later confirmed by brain imaging

Accidental dural puncture is a well-recognized complication of obstetric epidurals that can potentially incapacitate the patient. Unrecognized dural puncture during epidural administration can lead to a delay in therapeutic intervention resulting in potentially serious complications. We report a case of a parturient who developed disabling intracranial hypotension and diplopia following accidental dural puncture during apparently uneventful epidural catheter insertion. Magnetic resonance neuroimaging was performed to confirm the diagnosis, and direct clinical management. We also discuss the role of neuroimaging in the investigation of postpartum headache.

To replace or not to replace? - Partial coning and a sixth nerve palsy secondary due to displacement of a tunnelled intrathecal catheter for pain control

We report the displacement of a tunnelled intrathecal catheter causing significant cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, resulting in partial coning and a sixth nerve palsy. The patient had advanced malignant mesothelioma and all other methods of pain control had been unsuccessful. As far as we are aware, there are no published reports of early replacement of an intrathecal catheter in patients with neurological sequelae. Surgical re-siting of the intrathecal catheter produced good pain relief for many months. Doctors involved in the use of indwelling intrathecal catheters for pain control must be aware of the risk of significant neurological sequelae but should not dismiss re-establishment of intrathecal therapy in the presence of significant neurological complications.

Management of postdural puncture headache in the obstetric patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The treatment of postdural puncture headache remains controversial, largely because it is insufficiently evidence based. With high rates of neuraxial block in the obstetric population likely to continue, postdural puncture headache will remain a primary cause of morbidity and increased duration of hospital stay. This review describes new reports of relevance published in 2006 and until October 2007.

RECENT FINDINGS

New evidence justifies epidural blood patch as the treatment of choice for severe postdural puncture headache, but technical aspects such as optimal timing and volume are less clear. Symptomatic medical management remains diverse, with a multitude of therapies often advocated, despite a lack of scientific support. Reports of misdiagnosis and of complications associated with postdural puncture headache and its treatment emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary management and additional investigation, including radiological imaging, when the clinical picture warrants.

SUMMARY

The key reports in this epoch have shed light on the benefits of careful assessment of postpartum headache and treatment with an epidural blood patch. New management paradigms have been suggested and serious complications continue to be reported.

Accidental dural puncture and post dural puncture headache in obstetric anaesthesia: presentation and management: a 23-year survey in a district general hospital

Post dural puncture headache can be a debilitating complication of epidural and subarachnoid anaesthesia for a new mother. In a survey of 18,337 epidurals and 5021 subarachnoid blocks performed for obstetric procedures over a 23-year period in a district general hospital maternity unit, there were 167 recognised accidental dural punctures after epidurals (0.91%), with 147 patients (88%) developing post dural puncture headache. In addition there were 52 post dural puncture headaches after subarachnoid blocks (1.04%). Successful management of accidental dural puncture and post dural puncture headache requires adherence to clear policies and protocols, with close follow-up of patients by an experienced obstetric anaesthetist.

A review of ocular manifestations in intracranial hypotension

Object

Intracranial hypotension (ICH) can present with a wide variety of visual symptoms and findings. Deficits in visual acuity and visual fields as well as ophthalmoplegia due to cranial nerve dysfunction have been frequently described. The aim of this review was to identify the most commonly reported ocular manifestations associated with ICH.

Methods

The authors conducted a review of the literature to date to identify all studies of patients with ICH and ocular manifestations.

Results

The most commonly encountered cranial nerve deficit resulting from ICH (> 80% of reported cases) is an abducens nerve paresis, which may occur unilaterally or bilaterally. Although less common, oculomotor and trochlear nerve palsies have been reported as well. The optic nerve complex is frequently involved in ICH and may manifest as deficits in visual acuity and field cuts. Visual deficits and ophthalmoplegia improved following appropriate management in 97% of reported cases.

Conclusions

Intracranial hypotension can present with a wide spectrum of visual deficits, the causes of which are multifactorial. Cranial nerve paresis, especially of the abducens nerve, is frequently reported. The majority of symptoms and cranial nerve deficits reviewed respond favorably to conservative management, epidural blood patch administration, or in a minority of cases, surgical intervention.