Persistent Spinal Headache After Removal of Intrathecal Drug Delivery System: A Case Report and Review of Literature

INTRODUCTION: To report and discuss the spinal headache following insertion and removal of intrathecal drug delivery system in patients with chronic pain disorders. CASE PRESENTATION: Intrathecal drug delivery system (IDDS) was initially used for the management of chronic malignant pain; it has since been used to manage pain from other nonmalignant conditions as well. Spinal headache is one of the complications during the trial, permanent placement and after removal of intrathecal drug delivery catheter systems. A 48-year-male patient with chronic pain disorder developed a refractory spinal headache after removing the intrathecal drug delivery system requiring a surgical intervention to resolve the problem. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management is successful in the vast majority of patients with spinal headache. Interventional procedures are required in a small fraction of patients for symptomatic relief.