All issues > Volume 49(7); 2006

Original Article

Korean J Pediatr. 2006;49(7):751-756. Published online July 15, 2006.

A study for headaches and backaches occurrence after diagnostic lumbar puncture in children

In Young IY Choi¹, Kyong Yun KY Park¹, Young Taek YT Jang¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Presbyterian Medical Center, Chonju, Korea

Correspondence Young Taek YT Jang ,Email: godlove@hitel.net

Abstract

Purpose
: Our goals were to determine the frequency of headaches and backaches occurring as a side effect following lumbar puncture in children, and to investigate various factors that might influence the frequency of headaches and backaches.
Methods
: From October 2004 to February 2006, we enrolled 148 patients aged 2 to 15 years who received diagnostic lumbar puncture at the Presbyterian Medical Center, Chonju, Korea. Patient data were collected for age, sex, number of puncture attempts, volume of cerebrospinal fluid(CSF), bevel orientation of puncture needle, cell count in CSF, periods of absolute bed rest, and the frequency and duration of headaches and backaches.
Results
: Headaches occurred in 8 patients and backaches occurred in 40 patients. Headaches were found both to occur significantly more frequently in patients over age 10 and to last longer when the bevel orientation of the puncture needle was inserted toward the cranium rather than laterally. Backaches lasted longer in males than in females. The other factors evaluated showed no relationship at all to the frequency and duration of headaches and backaches.
Conclusion
: Following lumbar puncture, headaches were common in patients over age 10, and lasted longer when the bevel orientation was toward the cranium. Backaches lasted longer in males than in females. In light of these findings, we recommend taking special care when performing lumbar puncture for CSF examination in patients over age 10.

Keywords :Diagnostic lumbar puncture , Headaches , Backaches