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
Similar questions
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 40-year-old member asked:
Is it okay to have terrible stinging pain after lumbar puncture (spinal tap)?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Chintan Sampatanswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 20 years experience
Yes: The lumbar puncture procedure can cause some local back pain. The back pain should not last for more than 2-3 days after the procedure. It should not cause severe back pain. Talk to your doctor if you develop any headaches, numbness/tingling/weakness in the low extremities, severe back pain, or any difficulty with bowel or bladder function.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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
A 32-year-old member asked:
How much time does a lumbar puncture/ spinal tap headache last?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Benjamin Solomonanswered
39 years experience
Post LP Headache: Post lumbar puncture/spinal tap headaches last until the tiny hole in the dura seals. This can be years but is usually a day or 3. Typically, the cure is to lay flat for 24 hours to keep the pressure low and allow the tiny hole in the dura to heal which it almost always does. Lots of caffeine is helpful too. You may want to call your dr and ask about a blood patch.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsAnswered >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 Apr 19, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.