A 41-year-old member asked:
What's the difference between a spinal tap and lumbar puncture?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Kevin Vaughtanswered
30 years experience
Same thing : Lumbar puncture is the proper term.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 36-year-old member asked:
I got a spinal tap / lumbar puncture today?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
If you have a: Specific question about the procedure or symptoms afterwards then please clarify and re-ask the question.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
How long can a lumbar puncture/ spinal tap headache last?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Ahmad M Hadiedanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 51 years experience
Few days: Usually stop after few days, lay down that will help if the headache got bad go back to see your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Spinal tap / lumbar puncture headache, is there anything i can do to relieve this?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Matthew Kozminskianswered
Neurology 18 years experience
Yes: Rest, fluids, caffeine, over the counter medications. If these do not work, a blood patch may be needed. This is where any anesthesiologist injects your own blood in the region of your lumbar puncture. The blood clots over the hole left from your lumbar puncture and your pressure rebuilds again.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 14, 2014
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