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Medical Miracle: How Autologous Blood Coating Saves You from Postpartum Headaches?
After giving birth, many women face an excruciating pain called postpartum epidural headache (PDPH). This type of headache is usually caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from a dural puncture. With the continuous advancement of medical technology, the emergence of autologous blood coating (Epidural Blood Patch, EBP) technology has brought hope of salvation to these postpartum women.
Autologous blood coating is a surgery that uses autologous blood to seal dural holes. This surgery can effectively relieve headaches caused by cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
In the case of postpartum headache, women usually experience severe pain from the forehead to the back of the head, and this headache is worsened when standing. Many people encounter a variety of suggestions when looking for solutions, however, autologous blood coating has become a gold standard treatment. It's an invasive procedure, but it's widely recognized for its safety and effectiveness; autologous blood coating has a success rate of 50 to 80 percent, according to studies.
The principle of EBP is relatively simple. First, the doctor will draw about 20 ml of autologous blood from the patient's vein; then inject this blood into the epidural space to form a "blood clot". This blood clot will compress the cerebrospinal fluid, thereby increasing the pressure of the dural mater and sealing it. Leak spots. The effectiveness of this technique lies in its ability to sustain pressure over time, enhancing the effectiveness of repairing damaged dura mater.
EBP surgery can not only be used to treat postpartum headaches, but also can be used to treat headaches caused by spontaneous intracranial hypotension.
According to statistics, the possibility of dural puncture after a mother receives epidural anesthesia after delivery is as high as 1.5%. In these cases, up to 50% of women may experience PDPH. Most cases of this type of headache are self-limiting, but for some women with moderate to severe symptoms, EBP offers a reliable relief option. Especially when mothers need to take care of their newborns, EBP can help them recover quickly so they can better cope with postpartum challenges.
However, any medical procedure has its risks. In EBP, common side effects include back pain and headache, and in addition, a small number of patients may develop arachnoiditis. Therefore, doctors need to carefully evaluate each patient's situation to ensure that EBP is an appropriate option for them.
EBP has become a widely used treatment since American anesthesiologist Turan Ozdil and surgeon James B. Gormley first described the technique in the 1960s. Research shows that EBP is effective not only in its ability to reduce pain, but also in its improvement in long-term pain symptoms.
Research shows that for moderate to severe PDPH, EBP can not only quickly relieve symptoms, but also effectively improve the quality of life.
When performing EBP, it is generally recommended that the procedure be performed within 24 to 48 hours after the epidural is applied. If a headache occurs, doctors will advise patients to lie flat and stay hydrated, which can reduce the risk of headaches. Although the effectiveness of this approach is questionable, it may still help patients relieve discomfort. EBP can also be used to treat patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension.
Although EBP has a high success rate, not everyone is suitable for this treatment. For example, EBP is contraindicated in patients with blood disorders or puncture site infections. Certain populations, such as immunocompromised patients, also need careful consideration. In addition, EBP is not the only option. Sometimes doctors will recommend other conservative treatment options based on the patient's specific situation.
Nevertheless, as all research and clinical experience shows that EBP is increasingly effective, this trend has led more medical professionals to re-recognize its potential. Research is still ongoing in the hope of discovering more effective treatments that can benefit more patients.
Autologous blood coating technology is undoubtedly a revolutionary medical advancement. It not only provides hope to countless postpartum women, but also makes us rethink how we should choose the most appropriate treatment plan when facing pain.
