Abstract
BACKGROUND: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common complication of spinal anesthesia. It often goes away after a few days but may be more severe in some patients and persists for weeks. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral magnesium on the prevention of PDPH after cesarean section for the first time. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 100 candidates for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly divided into 2 groups: (i) the intervention group that received 300 mg of oral magnesium powder and (ii) the control group that received starch powder. The frequency and severity of headache and amount of analgesic consumption in both groups were measured 1, 2, and 3 days after cesarean section. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 at 95% CI. RESULTS: The frequency of PDPH 1, 2, and 3 days after surgery was 8% vs 24% (P = 0.029), 10% vs 26% (P = 0.039), and 12% vs 18% (P = 0.401) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The mean and SD of pain severity was 0.52 ± 1.83 vs 1.5 ± 2.84 (P = 0.03) on the first day, 0.70 ± 2.19 vs 1.58 ± 2.86 (P = 0.05) on the second day, and 0.82 ± 2.32 vs 1.18 ± 2.62 on the third day (P = 0.43) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Although more patients in the control group received rescue analgesia, no significant difference was seen between the 2 study groups. CONCLUSIONS: In women candidates for cesarean section, oral administration of 300 mg magnesium 2 hours before surgery significantly reduces the frequency and severity of PDPH, but its impact on reducing analgesic consumption is not significant.