Low Pressure Headaches: What Are You Missing

Low pressure headaches (LPH) are caused by low cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) pressure or volume and may be spontaneous or provoked. Although the suspected incidence of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is rare, improved imaging and greater awareness have led to increased identification. Undiagnosed LPH can lead to years of painful, expensive, and unyielding diagnostics. Patients endure years of suffering as a result of inappropriate treatment and the stigma of chronic or even a suspicion of psychogenic pain. Practitioners struggle with the inability to diagnose or manage the patient's symptoms because of inadequate education. This presentation will review the clinical features of a low intracranial pressure headache, explore the unique patient history and imaging characteristics, and identify the proper treatment options available. (Recorded at PAINWeek 2016)