Changing Pattern of Headache Pointing to Cerebral Venous Thrombosis After Lumbar Puncture and Intravenous High‐Dose Corticosteroids

• Published in: Headache 1999-09, Vol.39 (8), p.559-564
• Main Authors: Aidi, Saadia, Chaunu, Marie‐Pierre, Biousse, Valérie, Bousser, Marie‐Germaine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Cerebral Veins; cerebral venous thrombosis; Cerebrospinal fluid (biochemistry, cytology, circulation, manometry). Intracranial pressure determination; corticosteroids; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Glucocorticoids - adverse effects; Glucocorticoids - therapeutic use; headache; Headache - physiopathology; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; intracranial hypertension; intracranial hypotension; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); lumbar puncture; Medical sciences; Methylprednisolone - adverse effects; Methylprednisolone - therapeutic use; Multiple Sclerosis - diagnosis; Multiple Sclerosis - drug therapy; Spinal Puncture - adverse effects; Venous Thrombosis - etiology
• ISSN: 0017-8748; 1526-4610
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1526-4610.1999.3908559.x

Objective.—To emphasize the diagnostic importance of change in the headache pattern which pointed to cerebral venous thrombosis in two patients after lumbar puncture and high‐dose intravenous methylprednisolone for suspected multiple sclerosis. Results.—Both patients had a diagnostic lumbar puncture for suspected multiple sclerosis and were treated with high‐dose intravenous methylprednisolone. Both developed a postlumbar puncture headache that was initially postural, typical of low cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Three days later, the headache became constant, lost its postural component, and was associated with bilateral papilledema. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain disclosed superior sagittal and lateral sinuses thrombosis. The diagnostic difficulties of such cases and the potential role of lumbar puncture and corticosteroids as risk factors for cerebral venous thrombosis are discussed. Conclusions.—When a typical postdural puncture headache loses its postural component, investigations should be performed to rule out cerebral venous thrombosis, particularly in the presence of other risk factors.