Post-lumbar puncture headache as a complication of spinal anesthesia

Spinal anesthesia is a frequently used technique for surgery of the lower extremities. A complication of this form of regional anesthesia is post-lumbar puncture headache. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential in preventing prolonged disability and neurologic sequelae. Two case reports are presented, followed by a review of the literature concerning etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of post-lumbar puncture headache.