[Less headache following lumbar puncture with the use of an atraumatic needle; double-blind randomized study].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the difference in frequency of headache after lumbar puncture with a standard needle or an atraumatic needle.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomised double blind study.

SETTING

Department of Neurology, Merwedeziekenhuis, Dordrecht.

METHOD

One hundred sequential patients were randomised to lumbar puncture with a 'standard needle' (20 gauge) or an 'atraumatic needle' (pencil point, 22 gauge). The patients were interviewed one week later. Patient and interviewer were unaware of the needle used.

RESULTS

After puncture with the standard needle 32% of the patients suffered from postlumbar puncture headache, after use of the atraumatic needle 6% (p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval of the difference: 0.11-0.40). Postpuncture complaints appeared to be less severe after puncture with the atraumatic needle.

CONCLUSION

In comparison with a standard needle, there is significantly less postpuncture headache after lumbar puncture with an atraumatic needle.