Brief Answer:
This is a dural puncture headache.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. Your headache is most likely a side-effect of the spinal tap or lumbar puncture. It is a recognised problem following a lumbar puncture occurring in about 2-5% of people who have a lumbar puncture. It is due to fluid leakage through the hole the needle made in the dural membrane.
The treatment is usually fluids and pain killers for the first 24-48 hours following the onset of the headache. So drink at least 3 litres of fluid per day. This should include caffeine containing drinks as caffeine is known to help the headache. Take regular acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Your may need stronger pain killers such as codeine or morphine. Lying down will help relieve the headache. Your eyes may be sensitive to light so keep the room darkened if needed. Avoid constipation as straining on the toilet my make the headache worse.
I assume you are still in hospital as you are on IV antibiotics so you should inform your doctors.
If the headache persists beyond 48 hours then the next stage of treatment to be considered would be a blood patch. This is a procedure whereby a volume of your blood is injected into your epidural space. It forms a clot and seals the hole through which the fluid is leaking. Relief of the headache is usually rapid. The success of the blood patch is about 85%
I hope this is of help to you. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA

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