Headache After Anesthesia

Some patients experience a headache after surgery.

Not every headache is caused by anesthesia, however. What matters first is which type of anesthesia preceded it.

Headache after general anesthesia

Possible causes include:

• Dehydration
• Fasting
• Tiredness
• Stress
• Disrupted sleep

It is usually temporary.

Headache after spinal anesthesia

This is the type of headache patients hear about most.

It can occur because of pressure changes in the cerebrospinal fluid during spinal anesthesia. Typically the headache:

• Worsens on standing
• Eases on lying down

Why is it less common now?

Because the spinal needles we use today are much finer and specially designed. The risk is therefore markedly lower than in the past.

When should you seek help?

Tell your doctor if the headache:

• Is severe
• Lasts for days
• Is accompanied by blurred vision