Question 1

how is a spinal tap procedure done?

Accepted Answer

Carefully: Generally, the patient is placed on their side, the area in the lumbar region is then sterily cleaned.  A local anesthetic is infused in  the region of the planned procedure.  Finally, a needle is introduced and advanced into the sub-arachnoid space till spinal fluid is encountered.  Usually, an opening pressure is measured and spinal fluid is sent for analysis.

Question 2

my wife had a spinal tap procedure done now she has electric shocks running down her legs and throughout her body what should we do?

Accepted Answer

Spinal tap: Not uncommon to get some back pain following lumbar puncture.  Tingling a bit less common and should be discussed with her doctor. If there is any weakness or changes in bladder ot bowel function this wiuld need more urgent attention to look for hematoma at site of procedure.

Question 3

would the two procedures spinal tap and bone marrow be done at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Generally not: however I cannot think of a reason that it couldn't be done in one session! (Not "simultaneously" but one following the other!
 hope this helps
Dr Z

Question 4

is there any restrictions after a spinal tap procedure?

Accepted Answer

Yes: To avoid a post-lp headache, recommend pts try to be supine or recumbent for about 24 hrs, and advise extra liquids in form of fruit juices to stabilize fluids.  Otherwise resume activities thereafter.  If the headache does occur, a blood patch is very successful.

Question 5

is it okay to take a xanax (alprazolam) or an ambien after a spinal tap procedure?

Accepted Answer

Meds after spinal: There should be no issues taking either one of those medications after a spinal tap.    The xanax (alprazolam) may make you groggier faster if you are using it to try to go to sleep.  
Good luck

Question 6

how can i lower heart pulse rate after weeks of spinal tap procedure?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar puncture: The heart rate and the spinal tap procedure are unrelated. If you have a rapid heart rate then meditation, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback can help. Cardiovascular exercise also helps to lower heart rate. See your medical doctor to evaluate the heart rate.  In addition, your medical doctor should provide you with the results of your cerebrospinal fluid studies from the lumbar puncture.

Question 7

i had spinal tap to check for prion diseases. during procedure blood or fluid came out, if i touched area after, could that travel to family i touched?

Accepted Answer

Prion: No likely. Did they find prions?

Question 8

having a spinal tap and i'm pretty scared and have high anxiety. i take temazapam15mg for sleep. can i take valium with temazepam before the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Buck up, jazZ: Spinal tap is the most minor of minor procedures. Nothing to be scared of. Valium is a brand name of the generic drug diazepam. Sound similar to temazepam? That's because both are benzodiazepines. You'd be taking 2 benzodiazepines &amp; risking oversedation &amp; respiratory depression. Knowledge is power. Arm yourself, i.e., do your homework: empowering knowledge is out there.

Question 9

if damaged during spinal tap procedure will/can my body heal itself .symtoms tightness, abdomen and back. pelvic to.chest?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms not from LP: It's not likely that the symptoms you have are from a spinal tap(Lumbar Puncture).. Serious complications are rare. Patients on anticoagulants can get bleeding and a  Spinal Hematoma which can cause weakness or paralysis in the lower extremities.

Question 10

got to have a spinal tap to check levels of pressure but have a huge needle phobia and panic when around them. is it possible to be sedated or under general anaesthetic during the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Sedation yes: There are too many risks of general anesthesia to recommend it for a spinal tap.  Plus, it would be hard to reposition you if you're unconscious.  But, of course, sedation is perfectly acceptable.   Don't feel embarrassed about asking for it.  I, as well, hate the sharp end of the needle!

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Doctor answers about:

How is a spinal tap procedure done

A member asked:

How is a spinal tap procedure done?

A member asked:

My wife had a spinal tap procedure done now she has electric shocks running down her legs and throughout her body what should we do?

A member asked:

Would the two procedures spinal tap and bone marrow be done at the same time?

A member asked:

Is there any restrictions after a spinal tap procedure?

A member asked:

Is it okay to take a xanax (alprazolam) or an ambien after a spinal tap procedure?

A member asked:

How can i lower heart pulse rate after weeks of spinal tap procedure?

A member asked:

I had spinal tap to check for prion diseases. during procedure blood or fluid came out, if i touched area after, could that travel to family i touched?

A member asked:

Having a spinal tap and i'm pretty scared and have high anxiety. i take temazapam15mg for sleep. can i take valium with temazepam before the procedure?

A member asked:

If damaged during spinal tap procedure will/can my body heal itself .symtoms tightness, abdomen and back. pelvic to.chest?

A member asked:

Got to have a spinal tap to check levels of pressure but have a huge needle phobia and panic when around them. is it possible to be sedated or under general anaesthetic during the procedure?

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