A 36-year-old member asked:
i got a spinal tap / lumbar puncture today?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
If you have a: Specific question about the procedure or symptoms afterwards then please clarify and re-ask the question.
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A 34-year-old member asked:
Can a lumbar puncture paralyze me?
7 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in

A Verified Doctor answered
A US doctor answered Learn more
Rare: All procedures carry a risk. For that matter, driving your car is one of the riskiest things you do on a daily basis. Procedures, such as lumbar puncture, could cause bleeding or abscess formation, and could lead to paralysis. Usually there is a good reason to do it though.
6652 views
A 21-year-old member asked:
What is a lumbar puncture?
6 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Kenneth Cheng answered
Family Medicine 31 years experience
Diagnostic test: A lumbar puncture is a test where a needle is inserted into the spinal canal to draw out a small amount of cerebral spinal fluid for diagnostic testing purposes, such as diagnosing meningitis.
6122 views
A 24-year-old member asked:
What are the side effects of a lumbar puncture?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Julian Bragg answered
Neurology 17 years experience
Headache, bleeding: The most common side effect of a lumbar puncture is headache due to the drop in cerebrospinal fluid pressure. This normally resolves in a few days with fluids and rest, but sometimes requires a second procedure called a blood patch before it resolves. Lp can also cause bleeding and infection, although these are much more rare.
6064 views
CA
A 38-year-old member asked:
What will happen during a lumbar puncture?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Mark Fisher answered
Neurology 34 years experience
Lumbar puncture (LP): Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bathes brain & spinal cord (cns). CSF may be abnormal in some diseases. In an lp, you are either on your side or sitting. Md feels lower back for interspace between 4th & 5th lumbar vertebrae, below end of cns. Lidocaine is injected. 3” hollow needle is inserted thru interspace & into sac holding CNS & csf. Md collects CSF (usually ~1 tsp) into 3-4 tubes. CSF sent to lab.
6166 views
A 47-year-old member asked:
Why won't the doctor put me out for a lumbar puncture?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Anthony Mosley answered
Neurology 24 years experience
Risks : Putting someone out (ie. Anesthetising them) carries some risk. Lumbar punctures are usually well tolerated with just using some local anesthetic (numbing medicine).
6272 views
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Last updated Apr 19, 2016
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