Abstract

Gautham Krishna*, Dhanya Dharman and Shaiju S. Dharan

ABSTRACT

Dialysis may induce severe headache as a result of a large amount of water and electrolyte shifts. It is important to recognize it because it can be a great problem to the patient and changing dialysis parameters or methods can prevent it. There is a paucity of data on how to treat dialysis-related headaches. Prevention can be achieved through using Bicarbonate dialysate, Slow dialysis with reduced blood flow rate, Sodium profile & Ultrafiltration profile, to prevent sudden alterations in serum sodium and blood pressure levels, Caffeine ingestion during hemodialysis, in habitual caffeine consumers, Despite the high prevalence of headache in the dialysis population, there is a paucity of research surrounding its pathophysiology and treatment. The factors leading to hemodialysis headache and its management need to be evaluated further to improve the quality of life of patients with ESRD on dialysis.