Spontaneous low cerebrospinal fluid pressure headache: An emergency medicine perspective

Abstract

Spontaneous low cerebrospinal fluid pressure headaches are a rare but treatable cause of debilitating headaches. The condition is characterized by a postural headache in the absence of any recent spinal procedures and is exacerbated when upright and relieved when supine. Diagnosis and treatment are often delayed, however, due to a lack of recognition and awareness, as illustrated by this case report of a patient who had multiple emergency department visits before further investigations were sought. © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians.