Some patients develop headache after spinal anesthesia used during cesarean section. This condition is called post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). Early identification of patients at risk may improve patient care.
This study evaluates whether optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), measured using a non-invasive bedside ocular ultrasound technique, can help predict the development of PDPH.
Participants undergoing cesarean section with spinal anesthesia will undergo ONSD measurements at predefined perioperative time points. Participants will be followed postoperatively for the occurrence of headache.
The findings may help improve early recognition and management of PDPH.
Women aged 18 to 45 years
Singleton pregnancy
Planned cesarean section (elective or emergency due to fetal indications)
Spinal anesthesia planned for the procedure
Known ophthalmologic diseases affecting the optic nerve or retina (e.g., glaucoma, optic atrophy)
Active eye infection or recent ocular surgery
Known intracranial pathology affecting cerebrospinal fluid dynamics (e.g., intracranial mass, hydrocephalus, idiopathic intracranial hypertension)
History of stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage