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
5.2k views
Actually safe: Typical spinal tap does not have risk other than occasionaly post-lp headache, which can be easily managed.
Answered 10/23/2017
5.2k views
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
5.2k views
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