What is a blood patch?
A blood patch may be used to help a spinal headache that is very bad or does not go away. This is also called an epidural (ep-i-DU-ral) blood patch. A blood patch may be done in the days or weeks following an LP. To place a blood patch, caregivers first draw some blood from you. This blood is injected with a needle into your back over the LP site. You will need to lay flat for about an hour after this is done. You may need IV fluids also. Risks: There is a risk of an allergic reaction to the numbing medicine used during the LP. Other problems are rare, such as bleeding, infection, injury to a disk in your spine, or leakage of the spinal fluid. There is a very small chance that your brain or spinal cord could be injured. The risk of problems is increased if you move during the LP test. If you do not have an LP test, your caregivers may not be able to find or treat your illness. Talk with your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your medicine or care. CARE AGREEMENT: You
