Question 1

dr said viral meningitis poss diagnosis.i asked to get blood counts instead of spinal tap. now i have rash but blood tests are normal.can it still be bacterial? results att. files. do i really need a spinal tap? still as ill but meds help nerve pain

Accepted Answer

Spinal tap: is the definitive test for both bacterial and viral meningitis. Do the test.

Question 2

does my husband need to be tested for meningitis with a spinal tap if they suspect it?

Accepted Answer

Meningitis: Meningitis, due to inflammation or infection of the tissues covering the brain and spinal column, can only be diagnosed by performing a lumbar puncture ("spinal tap").

Question 3

how do you test for meningitis? spinal tap?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A patient with a high fever, stiff neck, and headache, with or without confusion or delirium could very well be afflicted with meningitis (bacterial, viral, tuberculous, fungal, etc.), and the best way to confirm is to get spinal fluid and test asap.

Question 4

i have mild levoconvex thoracolumbar scoliosis and i was wondering if that could have been caused by the spinal tap for meningitis.

Accepted Answer

No, definitely not: no. Spinal tap can be you acute and subacute headaches but will not change the curvature of the spine.

Question 5

what are the complications of having a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check for bacterial meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Commonly:: A headache is a common side effect of a lumbar puncture. One-third of people will develop a headache, usually within 24–48 hours of having the procedure. Otherwise, under proper technique, no major side effects.

Question 6

i am having decompression surgery for chiari type i soon. i am curious whether the pain is similar to spinal tap, or bacterial meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Surgical Pain: Post-operative pain following a suboccipital decompression for chiari is usually due to mobilization of the suboccipital and paraspinal muscles and can be controlled with analgesics such as narcotics, tylenol (acetaminophen) and nsaids.  Meningitic pain can occur from chemical irritation.  You should discuss these questions with your surgeon to develop a treatment plan before surgery.

Question 7

is spinal tap safe? 22 yrs old female was diagnosed with tb meningitis with hydrocephalus. she had almost 10 spinal taps and still doctor will perform one more this week. is it good and why so many?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If done properly it is very safe, and may be absolutely necessary to follow the progression of and the treatment of the disease.  It can also be used to relieve pressure and be therapeutic as well as diagnostic.  Best wishes.

Question 8

can a spinal tap or bacterial meningitis cause lumbar radiculopathy ?

Accepted Answer

EXTREMELY RARE: Spinal tap is relatively complication-free other than occasional post LP headache, readily reversible with a blood patch.  Bacterial meningitis a life-threatening infection and does require emergency treatment, but usually is also reversable, and does not typically involve complications with nerve roots.  However, if medication is administered intrathecally, arachnoiditis possible, may cause rad.

Question 9

hubby small avm ruptured-caused diplopia. 3 neurosurgeons haven't linked infant spinal meningitis & plan radiosurgery . should spinal tap been given?

Accepted Answer

Usually not: There is not likely a relationship between the remote episode of meningitis and the avm. Hope he does well.

Question 10

dr said viral meningitis poss diagnosis.i asked to have blood counts instead of spinal tap. now i have rash but blood test normal.can it be bacterial?

Accepted Answer

Not likely!: Bacterial meningitis untreated kills in a few days!  The rash may be due to medicines Even vitamins can give a rash!

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Doctor answers about:

Meningitis spinal tap results

A member asked:

Dr said viral meningitis poss diagnosis.i asked to get blood counts instead of spinal tap. now i have rash but blood tests are normal.can it still be bacterial? results att. files. do i really need a spinal tap? still as ill but meds help nerve pain

A member asked:

Does my husband need to be tested for meningitis with a spinal tap if they suspect it?

A member asked:

How do you test for meningitis? spinal tap?

A member asked:

I have mild levoconvex thoracolumbar scoliosis and i was wondering if that could have been caused by the spinal tap for meningitis.

A member asked:

What are the complications of having a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check for bacterial meningitis?

A member asked:

I am having decompression surgery for chiari type i soon. i am curious whether the pain is similar to spinal tap, or bacterial meningitis?

A member asked:

Is spinal tap safe? 22 yrs old female was diagnosed with tb meningitis with hydrocephalus. she had almost 10 spinal taps and still doctor will perform one more this week. is it good and why so many?

A member asked:

Can a spinal tap or bacterial meningitis cause lumbar radiculopathy ?

A member asked:

Hubby small avm ruptured-caused diplopia. 3 neurosurgeons haven't linked infant spinal meningitis & plan radiosurgery . should spinal tap been given?

A member asked:

Dr said viral meningitis poss diagnosis.i asked to have blood counts instead of spinal tap. now i have rash but blood test normal.can it be bacterial?

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