California medicine
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Headache is the commonest complication of spinal puncture. There is no significant difference in the incidence of headache after lumbar puncture, whether or not the puncture is followed by injection of an anesthetic agent. ⋯ Prevention of postlumbar puncture headache consists largely in attempts to avoid the development of the pressure differential between that of the cerebrospinal fluid and intracranial venous pressure. Treatment consists of analgesics, hydration and attempts to restore normal cerebrospinal fluid pressure.