Effect of vitamin C on the incidence and severity of postdural puncture headache in patients undergoing cesarean section with spinal anesthesia

Background: Some studies have shown that vitamin C has a positive effect on reducing headaches after spinal anesthesia, but studies in this field are inadequate. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin C infusion on the decrease of headache after spinal anesthesia in cesarean section.

Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 160 patients undergoing cesarean section referred to Kowsar Hospital of Yazd in 2017. The patients were randomly divided into two groups including group 1, 2 gr of vitamin C in 500 cc normal saline, and group 2, 500 cc of normal saline was injected preoperatively. The two groups were compared for headache incidence.

Results: At the time of recovery, 2 hours later, the frequency of headache in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group (P <0.05). But there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding headache at 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Considering the patient's condition, and according to the anesthesiologist and surgeon, vitamin C can be used to reduce pain in patients undergoing cesarean section with spinal anesthesia.