why does an epidural cause a headache after childbirth?

Answer 1

an epidural causes pain because a drug is introduced into the area surrounding the spinal cord to numb the nerves of the pelvic floor, which therefore decreases the pain of labor. the problem is that when introducing something through the epidural sac (the sac surrounding the spinal cord containing cerebrospinal fliud (csf)--which helps protect the cord) it can affect the entire cord. because you are adding fluid to the sac this increases pressure within it, this increased pressure is sensed by the body and is (unfortunately for you) relayed as pain, which creates the headache since the spinal cord runs all the way up to the brain stem. the needle can also cause a leak in csf which also commonly causes the headaches.

many people say that a headache after an epidural (or similar procedures such as a spinal tap) is the worst they have ever experienced.

Answer 2

An epidural usually doesn't cause a headache. The epidural space is an air filled area. Just a bit further in is where you find the spinal fluid. If the tube that contains the spinal fluid is punctured, it causes a leak. The leak is what causes the headache. After that tube has been punctured, it continues to leak. Spinal fluid normally cushions the brain inside the skull, but due to the leak, not as much fluid is around the brain. This is what causes the headache.

Caffeine stimulates cerebrospinal fluid production, so sometimes women are given IV caffeine to help with the headache. If that isn't effective, a blood patch can be given, which is almost always immediately effective. They draw blood out of the arm with a needle, which they then inject into the same space in your back. The blood clots, which stops the leak.