SynthesisEuropean journal of neurology2025
Targeted Versus NonTargeted Epidural Blood Patch for Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Synthesis in European journal of neurology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed.
- Predictive factors of epidural blood patch success in intracranial hypotension syndrome.Headache · 2026Article
- Intracranial Hypotension Following Spinal Manipulation: A Case Report and Scoping Review of the Literature.Brain and behavior · 2026Article
- Posttraumatic cerebrospinal fluid leak with cognitive dysfunction, especially visual memory disturbance: illustrative case.Journal of neurosurgery. Case lessons · 2026Article
- Article
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundSpontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is characterized by CSF leakage leading to orthostatic headaches and neurological deficits. In some cases, it can be extremely severe to cause nausea, vomiting, and vertigo. Despite conservative treatment, epidural blood patch remains the optimal approach for empiric resolution of symptoms. However, the medical community lacks consensus regarding the best approach to use: targeted epidural blood patch (TEBP) versus nontargeted epidural blood patch (NTEBP).
methodsA systematic review and metanalysis was conducted on multiple databases with a two-step selection process in order to exclude studies with insufficient data, irrelevance, and lack of comparative analysis between the two procedures. From the included studies, we comparatively analyzed overall good outcomes, success at first attempts, and relapse rates between the groups of study.
resultsWe included seven studies matching our inclusion criteria. No significant difference was noted between the TEBP and NTEBP groups concerning the improved overall outcome and success at first attempt. Similarly, comparable statistical significance was noted concerning the relapse rates.
conclusionTEBP and NTEBP are both effective treatments for SIH. However, given the lack of statistical difference between the interventions, along with considerations such as the patient risk profiles, physician expertise, and avoidance of invasive imaging procedures, the analysis suggests that NTEBP may be considered a viable initial approach, regardless of the identification of the leak.
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