Sedative Effect of Propofol and Diazepam on Post-Dural Puncture Headache: comparative study in post caesarian section Libyan patient

Background: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common adverse effect after neuraxial spinal anesthesia, which commonly happens in women undergoing operative (caesarean) delivery. Methods: For the purpose of this study, 90 candidates for spinal anesthesia were split into two groups, A and B. Both groups received spinal anesthesia with heavy bupivacaine. In-group A, 1mg of Diazepam was administered intravenously, while in-group B, propofol was slowly infused at a dose of 30ug per kg per min. The occurrence and severity of headaches (24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively) in both groups were assessed using The Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale. The data was analyzed using t-tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Demographic characteristics were homogeneous across both groups (P > 0.05). The incidence as well as the severity of headaches showed statistically significant difference as lower in the propofol group compared to the diazepam group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Up on the findings of this study, small-dose propofol may be a more effective sedative than diazepam when used during spinal anesthesia to reduce post-dural puncture headache.