How Do You Reduce the Risk of Post-Lumbar Puncture Headache?

Welcome to the next episode of The Reveal where we take you inside the mind of a test-taker to deconstruct and connect the dots of a board-style question so you can become a better student, transform how you learn, and excel not only on high-stakes exams, but also in your general medical knowledge. Let’s get started.

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A 24-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a headache and receives a lumbar puncture. She is eventually discharged home in improved condition, but returns 24 hours later with a worsened headache, now throbbing in nature, which is worse in the standing position and relieved in the supine position. Which of the following reduces the risk of post-lumbar puncture headache?

A) Inserting the needle bevel perpendicular to the spine

B) Lying supine for one hour after the lumbar puncture is completed

C) Using a higher gauge needle

D) Using a Quincke needle

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