The Association Between Joint Laxity and Post-Dural Puncture Headache

Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between joint laxity and post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). Methods A total of 123 patients with PDPH - 73 females and 50 males - were included in the study. The patients were examined regarding joint laxity and classified into two groups according to the Beighton score. Those with a Beighton score between 0 and 3 were classified as Group I, and those with a score greater than 4 were classified as Group II. Data related to the demographic characteristics of the patients, time of onset of PDPH, severity, need for medical treatment, need for an epidural blood patch, and length of hospital stay were recorded, and a comparison was made between the two groups. Results There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender distribution, and PDPH onset time (p>0.05). In Group II, which included patients positive for joint laxity, total headache duration, headache severity, need for medical treatment, need for epidural blood patch, and hospital stay were significantly higher than in Group I (p<0.05). Conclusion Joint laxity may increase the risk of PDPH after spinal anesthesia and may affect treatment processes. The Beighton score can determine the development and severity of PDPH in patients with joint laxity. Assessing joint laxity and Beighton score can improve clinical decision-making in managing PDPH and positively affect patient outcomes.