 |
|
|
|
 |
|
||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
SPINE ASSOCIATES
Houston
5420 West Loop South
Suite 2500
Bellaire TX, 77401
713.383.7100
Beaumont
One Folsom Building
3820 Pointe Parkway
At Folsom Drive
Beaumont, TX 77706
409.767.8221
 |
 |
Patient Information Library
Epidural Blood Patch
What is an epidural blood patch? Where is the blood for an epidural blood patch derived?
Epidural blood patch is performed by an anesthesiologist or pain management specialist. A special needle is placed into the epidural space in the lower back using sterile technique and equipment. About 15-25 ml of patient's own blood is drawn in a sterile technique and then immediately injected into the epidural space. The period that the blood is outside the patient is usually less than 30 seconds.
The procedure takes about 15 minutes to perform and is done in an outpatient setting. Recovery for the patient is about an hour. There is a chance that the epidural blood patch does not help the headache and in that situation the conservative treatment (fluid and caffeine intake) is continued.
Why might a doctor recommend that a patient have an epidural blood patch?
An epidural blood patch is used for relief of severe headache that can result from spinal anesthesia, myelography and diagnostic lumbar puncture. This headache is known as a postdural puncture headache (PDPH). PDPH has typical features of a postural headache that is worsened by standing and relieved by lying down. PDPH is initially treated conservatively with increased fluid and caffeine intake and analgesics. If the symptoms are severe, epidural blood patch may be recommended. An epidural blood patch can be highly effective.
Can a patient who is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses accept an epidural blood patch?
As epidural blood patch is a procedure using a patient’s own blood, it is a procedure about which patient who is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses would need to make his own informed decision.
To Learn More
If you are interested in an evaluation into the cause of your pain, please contact our pain management experts at Spine Associates in Houston, TX and Beaumont, TX. We would be happy to make an appointment for a consultation and provide additional information about other treatment options.