Don't Forget Rare Causes of Postpartum Headache! Cases Report and Literature Review

Medicina (Kaunas). 2021 Apr 13;57(4):376. doi: 10.3390/medicina57040376.

Abstract

Headache is a common finding in the postpartum period, caused by a spectrum of different conditions. Most headaches in the postpartum period are self-limiting and benign in etiology, but there are some potentially serious causes to be considered. We disclose two cases of postpartum headache, initially considered as post-dural puncture headache (PDPH), that evolved into a harmful condition and showed that an expanded differential diagnosis for headache in the postpartum is mandatory, requiring a high level of attention from health professionals. In fact, a careful examination of the medical history, physical examination, and the recognition for the need for early neuroradiological imaging should increase diagnostic accuracy.

Keywords: brain; magnetic resonance imaging; migraines; post-dural puncture; pre-eclampsia/eclampsia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Post-Dural Puncture Headache* / diagnosis
  • Post-Dural Puncture Headache* / etiology
  • Postpartum Period