Effect of pillows and mobilisation in the development of post-dural-puncture headaches: a comparative study

Abstract

Background: Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a complication of spinal anaesthesia. It usually develops in the first 3 post-op days. It is a common belief in the doctors of India that use of a pillow in the post-op period or allowing the patient to stand leads to the development of PDPH. Since post-op management is the job of surgical resident in India, this study has come in our domain. Objectives: Our aim is to disprove this myth. Not only is the barring of pillow useless in the prevention of PDPH, it is also a cause of great discomfort for the already uncomfortable post-op patient. Materials and Methods: Our study compares 65 post-op patients who were divided into 4 groups, one didn’t use pillows, other used pillows, another was mobilised, and the general/local anaesthesia group was kept as a control. Results and Conclusion: Our study found no association between the barring of pillows and prevention of PDPH. However we found association of pillow barring and development of back and neck problems. The results were best in the group that was fully mobilised.