Bladder and bowel dysfunction following small-volume epidural blood patch for spontaneous intracranial hypotension
Epidural blood patch (EBP) is an effective procedure for the treatment of spontaneous
intracranial hypotension (SIH). Neurological compromise following EBP, although rare, is
recognized as a serious potential complication. We describe a 33-year-old female patient in
whom long-term bladder and bowel dysfunction developed following a small volume (10mL)
EBP to treat SIH. We also discuss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms related to
this complication in the postprocedure setting.
intracranial hypotension (SIH). Neurological compromise following EBP, although rare, is
recognized as a serious potential complication. We describe a 33-year-old female patient in
whom long-term bladder and bowel dysfunction developed following a small volume (10mL)
EBP to treat SIH. We also discuss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms related to
this complication in the postprocedure setting.
