2.8 epidurals are placed in the United States each year for parturients. Most common complication of this is the accidental dural puncture or "wet-tap" which affects approximately 20-40,000 women. The accidental dural puncture can lead to a post-dural puncture headache which is the worst common complication in obstetric anesthesia, is the leading cause of malpractice claims, accounts for 25% of maternal neurological injuries, cause significant morbidity to include cranial nerve palsies, impaired childcare and breastfeeding, longer hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. There is various multiple post-dural puncture headache management techniques such as intrathecal catheters, conservative management, pharmacological management, and invasive procedures. A discussion on what current research says works and what does not allow CRNAs and RRNAs to make the best decision possible, along with optimal time and volume if a "blood path" is to be performed.
Learning Objectives:
Recognize methods/treatments to possibly prevent post dural puncture headache after accidental dural puncture.
Explain methods/treatments to possibly prevent post dural puncture headache after accidental dural puncture.
Execute a method/treatment to possibly prevent post dural puncture headache.
