A member asked:

Getting a lumbar puncture, how serious is this?

8 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Lumbar puncture: A lumbar puncture is a common diagnostic procedure with quite low risks and great benefits. Risk of injury to a nerve is quite low, under 2% and risk of infection extremely low. If indicated the fluid obtained can provide a good deal of useful information.

Answered 3/24/2013

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Actually safe: Typical spinal tap does not have risk other than occasionaly post-lp headache, which can be easily managed.

Answered 10/23/2017

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Low risk if experien: Lumbar punctures are extremely common procedures and when performed by an experienced individual have a very low risk of complications and the benefits generally far outweigh the risks. Nevertheless, there are serious potential complications.

Answered 11/24/2017

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Related Questions

A member asked:

Is it dangerous to get lumbar puncture when your pregnant?

A doctor has provided 1 answer