Epidural Blood Patch

Epidural Blood Patch

​An epidural blood patch is an interventional procedure that uses the patient’s own blood to treat a dural leak. The dura is the sac surrounding the spinal cord that contains spinal fluid. There are several causes of dural leak.  Most commonly, it occurs after spine surgery, a spinal tap or inadvertently after an epidural steroid injection. Patients suffering form a dural leak often complain of severe headaches in the back of the head and neck.  The pain usually resolves when the patient lays down flat.

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The epidural blood patch is performed by drawing the patient’s blood, while simultaneously placing a needle in the epidural space.  Once the epidural needle is in place, the patient’s blood is injected into that epidural space using a sterile approach.

As an alternative to epidural blood patch, the patient may elect to move forward with conservative management, which includes rest, hydration, and caffeine.