after care

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • patient should lie flat for 3-4 hours to enable healing of dural tear and restoration of CSF pressure; with small needles, a shorter period may be sufficient

  • heavy exercise to be avoided for first 24 hours

  • encourage fluids, simple analgesia and bed rest for mild headaches; severe or persistent headaches must be assessed with a view to CT for possible subdural haematoma