Transforaminal Blood Patch for the Treatment of Chronic Headache from Intracranial Hypotension: A Case Report and Review
2012

Transforaminal Blood Patch for Chronic Headache Treatment

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Bowden Kirk, Wuollet Adam, Patwardhan Amol, Price Theodore J., Lawall John, Annabi Jeffery, Barker Steven, Annabi Emil

Primary Institution: University of Arizona

Hypothesis

Can transforaminal epidural blood patches effectively treat chronic headaches caused by intracranial hypotension?

Conclusion

Transforaminal epidural blood patches can effectively treat chronic headaches secondary to intracranial hypotension when traditional methods fail.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient had not experienced a headache-free day in over 13 years.
  • Conservative treatments and previous interlaminar blood patches were unsuccessful.
  • The transforaminal approach allowed for direct placement of blood at the site of the CSF leak.

Takeaway

A 65-year-old man had headaches for 13 years, but after a special injection, he felt better almost immediately and stayed headache-free for months.

Methodology

The patient received bilateral transforaminal lumbar epidural blood patches under fluoroscopic guidance.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

65-year-old male with chronic postural headaches.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2012/923904

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