U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
A 36-year-old member asked:

I got a spinal tap / lumbar puncture today?

1 doctor answer3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowler
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.

Similar questions

A 35-year-old member asked:

How long can a lumbar puncture/ spinal tap headache last?

3 doctor answers6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ahmad M Hadied
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.
A 40-year-old member asked:

Is it okay to have terrible stinging pain after lumbar puncture (spinal tap)?

2 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Chintan Sampat
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.
A 41-year-old member asked:

What's the difference between a spinal tap and lumbar puncture?

1 doctor answer4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Kevin Vaught
30 years experience
Same thing : Lumbar puncture is the proper term.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 32-year-old member asked:

How much time does a lumbar puncture/ spinal tap headache last?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Benjamin Solomon
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.
A 39-year-old member asked:

Spinal tap / lumbar puncture headache, is there anything i can do to relieve this?

1 doctor answer5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Matthew Kozminski
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.

Related questions

A 49-year-old female asked about a 49-year-old female:
What is the cpt code for lumbar spinal puncture?
1 doctor answer6 doctors weighed in
A 50-year-old male asked about a 36-year-old female:
Pain down the spinal cord after having a lumbar puncture?
2 doctor answers6 doctors weighed in
A 34-year-old member asked:
How much cerebro spinal fluid is removed during lumbar puncture ?
2 doctor answers5 doctors weighed in
Last updated Apr 19, 2016

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.