Question 1

does spinal tap hurt?

Accepted Answer

Spinal tap: While some people notice a brief pinch and some discomfort, most people don't find a spinal tap to be painful.

Question 2

is a spinal tap safe?

Accepted Answer

Invasive test: All invasive tests carry risks, but the conditions they are testing for (and sometimes treating) can be much worse than the test itself.  I always make sure the person having the test understands the balance between risk and benefit, and any potential alternatives, if any.

Question 3

what is a spinal tap ?

Accepted Answer

Spinal Tap or: Lumbar puncture is a medical procedure to remove cerebrospinal fluid from your spine so that it can be evaluated in a lab.

Question 4

how painful is a spinal tap?

Accepted Answer

Varies: This depends on how it is done and by the skill of the person doing it as well as whether there are significant degenerative changes present or a spinal deformity.  Obesity can make it more  difficult to do and the reason for the spinal tap may affect the result.  The size or bore of the needle can be a reason as well.

Question 5

what medication is in a spinal tap?

Accepted Answer

Lidocaine : No medicine is injected in the spinal canal in a diagnostic spinal tap. Small amounts of anesthetic are injected in the soft tissues to control local pain.

Question 6

is this normal spinal tap if negative?

Accepted Answer

Test is not perfect: Spinal tap looks at the cells, proteins, electrolytes and glucose levels in spinal fluid. Depending on the reasons for the test, some conditions are readily diagnosed, while others are suggested. It's difficult to know from the question what a negative result means.

Question 7

what is the cause of my spinal tap pain?

Accepted Answer

Spinal tap pain: Sometimes patients have a "spinal headache" following lumbar puncture ("spinal tap") because a small amount of fluid continues to leak from the site. In other patients, pain occurs because bleeding or infection has occured in the area. In any of these cases, it is exceedingly important to report these symptoms to your doctor so that you can be diagnosed and managed appropriately!

Question 8

how serious are spinal tap complications?

Accepted Answer

Spinal Tap: Most common is headache &amp; nausea, serious complications are extremely rare such as bleeding or infection or CSF leak.

Question 9

what does a spinal tap experience feel like?

Accepted Answer

Bee sting: The worst part is numbing the skin on your back. After this, you should just feel pressure when the needle is inserted into the spinal canal to withdraw fluid.
It's not something fun you'd sign up for on a saturday night, but it's not that bad either.  Experienced dr's make it much easier.

Question 10

will a spinal tap hurt at all or just feel odd?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It the spinal needle enters the canal without difficulty, they will be minimal discomfort. Should the needle hit bone or spinal nerve, pain may be severe.

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