Pre-emptive Single Intravenous Lidocaine Dose to Prevent Post-Fundal Pressure Headache During Cesarean Section: The LID-HEAD Multi-center Randomized Controlled Trial

This fundal pressure was previously evaluated for its effect on maternal hemodynamics during cesarean section. The investigators observed in their practice that a complaint of headache is reported by a percentage of patients immediately after fundal pressure and fetal delivery. Despite its small percentage, it had a negative impact on the maternal experience.

The proposed mechanism of this headache may be attributed to the fundal pressure-induced cushing reflex, vasopressin response, or cerebral venous engorgement all resulted from the increase in intra-abdominal pressure which can be reflected on the intra-thoracic pressure and the intracranial pressure (ICP).

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that, when given via intravenous (IV) route could attenuate the rise in ICP during tracheal suctioning, and decrease the optic nerve sheath diameter distension during endotracheal intubation and during laparoscopy. These effects could be established by reducing cerebral blood volume through its vasoconstrictive effects on the cerebral vasculature and by decreasing electrical activity and metabolic demands through its inhibitory effects on sodium channels.

The fundal pressure maneuver is supposed to produce pathophysiological changes that resemble the previously reported factors that led to ICP elevation (intubation and pneumo-peritoneum). So, this study will be conducted as the investigators hypothesize that the administration of single IV lidocaine dose shortly before uterine fundal pressure may attenuate the temporary rise in ICP which may decrease the incidence of headache.