Biaxial Response of Ovine Spinal Cord Dura Mater

The dura mater plays a major functional role in the spinal cord-meningeal complex (SCM). Being the strongest structure of the meninges, it helps in sustaining the flow and pressure of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in addition to protecting the spinal cord from external mechanical loading. Loss of integrity of the dura can result in subdural and epidural hematomas. Accidental damage of the dura during procedures such as lumbar puncture and epidural anesthesia can potentially result in post-dural-puncture headaches (PDPH).