Question 1

been resting and doing what was told, but still in pain after spinal tap. poked 2times, both red & swollen?

Accepted Answer

Need re-evaluation: Red and swollen puncture site may indicate infection. This needs urgent re-evaluation by the physician. 

In the absence of an infection, persistent pain is most likely due to local blood clot (hematoma) or spinal fluid leak. Hematomas will resolve. Spinal fluid leak may require further treatment in addition to bed rest.

Definitely check with your doctor who performed the procedure.

Question 2

severe lower back pain after spinal tap weeks later. what is going on?

Accepted Answer

Not clear: Complications of spinal taps could cause you headaches or leg symptoms, but isolated back pain weeks later might not be related at all. Perhaps the condition that prompted the spinal tap could be the culprit. Rarely, an impromperly performed tap can be associated with ectopic tissue growth along the needle track in a very delayed fashion.

Question 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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.

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Doctor answers about:

What to do about pain after spinal tap

A member asked:

Been resting and doing what was told, but still in pain after spinal tap. poked 2times, both red & swollen?

A member asked:

Severe lower back pain after spinal tap weeks later. what is going on?

A member asked:

Does spinal tap hurt?

A member asked:

Is a spinal tap safe?

A member asked:

What is a spinal tap ?

A member asked:

How painful is a spinal tap?

A member asked:

What medication is in a spinal tap?

A member asked:

Is this normal spinal tap if negative?

A member asked:

What is the cause of my spinal tap pain?

A member asked:

How serious are spinal tap complications?

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