1. Nebulized dexmedetomidine in the treatment of obstetric post-dural puncture headache: two case reports.
- Author
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Thomas J, Soloniuk LJ, Mehdizadeh C, Cheng P, and Sinha A
- Subjects
- Humans, Female, Pregnancy, Adult, Nebulizers and Vaporizers, Anesthesia, Obstetrical methods, Dexmedetomidine administration & dosage, Post-Dural Puncture Headache drug therapy, Post-Dural Puncture Headache therapy
- Abstract
Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a debilitating complication of neuraxial anesthesia, particularly prevalent in obstetric patients, usually characterized by a postural headache. PDPH is hypothesized to result from cerebrospinal fluid leakage through a dural puncture, triggering symptoms like neck stiffness and subjective hearing changes. While conservative measures are common for treatment, more refractory cases may require invasive interventions such as an epidural blood patch (EBP). Recent studies have shown promise in using nebulized dexmedetomidine (nDEX) for PDPH, offering a non-invasive alternative to EBP. Two case presentations illustrate the efficacy of nDEX in resolving PDPH symptoms rapidly and completely. These cases underscore the need for exploring novel therapeutic options, especially in obstetric patients where safe and prompt relief is essential for maternal and newborn well-being. While the EBP remains the gold standard, its limitations of accessibility and invasiveness highlight the significance of investigating alternatives like nDEX., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Consent was granted by the patients to write the case report. Ethics approval not applicable. Consent for publication: Informed written consent was granted by the patients to write the case report along with the publishing of the clinical details. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Author contributions: All of the authors (JT, LS, CM, PC, AS) made substantial contributions to the conception and design, or acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; they have been involved in drafting the manuscript or revising it critically for important intellectual content; have given final approval of the version to be published., (© 2025. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2025
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