Efficacy of epidural blood patch versus nerve blocks in the treatment of post dural puncture headache: a systematic review

Authors

  • Axel Alexandre Navarro Andrade
  • Wagnner Ariol Intriago Zambrano
  • Karen Ileana Valverde Burbano
  • Juliz Lilibeth Moreira Cevallos
  • Katherin Liseth Sisa Moreno

Keywords:

post dural puncture headache, epidural blood patch, sphenopalatine ganglion block, greater occipital nerve block

Abstract

Introduction: Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common complication following spinal anesthesia. Although epidural blood patch (EBP) is the standard treatment, alternatives such as sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) and greater occipital nerve block (GONB) have shown efficacy with lower risk.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of epidural blood patch with that of nerve blocks in the treatment of post dural puncture headache, specifically in papers published in the last five years.

Methods: This systematic review compares the efficacy of EBP versus SPGB, GONB and epidural fibrin patch (EFP), including studies from the last five years. Databases such as PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were used, selecting randomized controlled trials and observational studies through a rigorous process.

Results: We analyzed 38 studies, finding that both SPGB and GONB may be less invasive and effective alternatives compared to EBP for the treatment of CPD.

Conclusions: Less invasive interventions may be preferable in certain clinical settings, recommending future research to further explore these alternatives.

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Published

2024-12-10

How to Cite

1.
Navarro Andrade AA, Intriago Zambrano WA, Valverde Burbano KI, Moreira Cevallos JL, Sisa Moreno KL. Efficacy of epidural blood patch versus nerve blocks in the treatment of post dural puncture headache: a systematic review. Rev Cubana Inv Bioméd [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 10 [cited 2025 Aug. 23];43. Available from: https://revibiomedica.sld.cu/index.php/ibi/article/view/3629