Understanding Patient’s Experiences of Post-Spinal Headache after Lumbar Puncture: A Qualitative Descriptive Exploratory Study

Abstract

Background: PLPH is a typical consequence of lumbar puncture procedure, causing both physical and mental anguish. This diagnostic procedure is carried out for CSF examination to identify CNS infections such as meningitis, immunological infections like Lyme disease, subarachnoid hemorrhage, epidural analgesia, and interventional neuro-axial procedure for spinal anesthesia. Qualified nurses provides a major role in the preventive measures of post-spinal puncture headache. Aim: The study aims was to examine patients’ experiences with post-spinal puncture headache including the type, the effect, and management of headache, and identify gaps in nursing care.

Materials and Methods: A qualitative descriptive exploratory research was conducted from May 2024 to May 2025 in Peshawar tertiary hospitals approved by IRB of Prime Foundation Pakistan at Peshawar Medical College included 15 participants (10 males, 5 females) who had encountered PLPH. Semi-structure interviews were used to gathered detailed information. Data was evaluated using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) modified by SAGE (2022) thematic analysis six step to identify common pattern and themes.

Results: The study found three major themes included (1) Acute physical challenges, including throbbing pain, nausea and vomiting, and neck stiffness, (2) emotional and psychological challenges, and (3) coping mechanisms, about the severity, duration, and emotional effect of PLPH. Participant reported considerable disruptions in their regular routine, and employment. Many people were frustrated by the lack of alleviation, and knowledge about PLPH’s administration. Despite numerous coping measures such as hydration, and pain medication, the majority of patients had persistent agony. Coping methods were viewed inadequate for long term management of patients, with many individuals reporting’s feelings of powerlessness. In addition, communication breakdown between healthcare personal especially nurses and patients were a major problems, underlining the need for effective patient education regarding the symptoms, and recovery schedule.

Conclusion/Recommendations: The study found that PLPH had a significant detrimental influence on patient’s physical, and emotional well-being. Healthcare practitioners and nurses should increase patient’s education and offer more effective pain treatment options. Future suggestions include providing extensive follow-up treatment, improving nurse-patient communication about possible consequences, implemented tailored therapies to reduce PLPH symptoms, longitudinal study or mixed method, determining prevalence of headache in Peshawar, sterilization protocols and large sample size approach for generalizability of the study.