Is paralysis a major risk of a spinal tap? i am due to receive one and i am completely terrified of this outcome!

NEVER!: I get this question all the time; answer is no. It is very safe; the needle goes in way below the spinal cord. The more concerning part is the post-spinal tap headache, which is very common in young women. Can last up to a week.

Spinal tap risk: A spinal tap is placement of a needle into the space around the spinal nerves that contains cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid the brain and spinal cord float in). This procedure is often performed to help diagnose infection or other neurologic disorders. Although there is a risk of nerve injury from this procedure the risk of paralysis is extremely small. It is well tolerated by patients.