Epidural Blood Patch

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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An epidural blood patch is a procedure used to relieve a headache caused by spinal fluid leak after a dural puncture. Your healthcare provider will inject a sample of your own blood into your back, near the dural puncture site. The blood will clot, which may patch the leak. An epidural blood patch may also help reduce other spinal fluid leak symptoms. Examples include nausea, vomiting, hearing or vision trouble, or a stiff neck.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before the procedure:

• Informed consent is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
• You may be given medicine to decrease pain and nausea.

During the procedure:

Your healthcare provider will ask you to sit down, lie on your side, or lie on your stomach. He or she will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood will slowly be injected into the area of your spine near the puncture site. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel back or neck pain, or pain that spreads down your legs. Also tell your healthcare provider if your headache gets worse or you feel pressure.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

After the procedure:

• You may need a spinal CT scan to check the blood patch. You will need to lie still and flat on your back for 2 to 24 hours after your procedure. You may also be directed to elevate your legs. Do not get up to walk until healthcare providers tell you it is okay.
• Your headache may improve immediately or within a few days. You may have mild back, neck, or leg pain, or a fever for 1 to 2 days after your procedure. Ask your healthcare provider if you may use NSAIDs for pain and fever.

RISKS:

Rarely, you may be at risk for an infection in the injection site. You may need a second blood patch procedure if a large amount of spinal fluid has leaked. You may need surgery to repair your dural damage.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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