Initial management of spontaneous intracranial hypotension

* Epidural blood patch may be performed without delay for patients with an uncomplicated presentation who are unable to adhere to conservative measures.

¶ Approximately one-half of patients require more than one epidural blood patch for durable relief. Some patients who report transient improvement after blood patch may require several patches for stained improvement or resolution of symptoms.

Δ Refer to the UpToDate topic and algorithm on the evaluation and management of spontaneous intracranial hypotension if repeated lumbar epidural blood patches are unsuccessful for details on subsequent evaluation and management.