Isolated chronic tinnitus after neuraxial labor analgesia

The most common complication of neuraxial labor analgesia,1 accidental dural puncture (ADP), causes headache, nausea, neck stiffness, diplopia and tinnitus, all of which are attributed to leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the intrathecal space.2 The resultant intracranial hypotension has been shown on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to be associated with downward movement of intracranial structures, meningeal enhancement and vasodilation of blood vessels.3 Although positional headache is the most common symptom of ADP, other symptoms of intracranial hypotension may be more prominent or may present on their own.
Source: International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Correspondence Source Type: research