You should also seek immediate attention if you get a new fever or severe headache or have a significant change in your current symptoms. If you currently have fever or headache, they should resolve within 2-3 days. See your healthcare provider or return to the emergency room if you get redness, drainage, or severe pain around the puncture site. If this occurs you may need to be treated with antibiotics.

Infection Sterile technique is used to avoid causing an infection, but there is a rare chance it could happen.If you are taking blood thinners like warfarin, Coumadin, or heparin, or have a bleeding disorder like hemophilia, notify the doctor or nurse prior to the spinal tap. There is an extremely rare chance that there could be enough bleeding into the spinal column that a procedure to stop the bleeding would be necessary. This may require the spinal tap to be repeated at a different level or at a later time. Bleeding Occasionally bleeding occurs during the procedure resulting in a “bloody tap”.If these symptoms are severe or persistent you may require an additional simple procedure to alleviate the symptoms. You can reduce the symptoms of a spinal tap headache by drinking plenty of fluids, especially those with caffeine. This kind of headache gets worse when you sit up and better when you lay down. It can begin up to 2 days after the procedure and usually lasts for less than 2 days. Spinal Tap Headache The most common complication is a “spinal tap headache.” This happens when the spinal fluid continues to leak from the puncture site.However, like all procedures, there are certain known possible complications as well as the risk of unforeseen complications. The spinal cord stops well above the level where the spinal tap is done and is not in danger of being injured. Risks of a Spinal TapĪ spinal tap is a very safe procedure and serious complications are rare. Also, since most spinal taps are negative, it can eliminate these conditions as the cause of your illness. Because these conditions can be serious and require urgent treatment, having the spinal tap done right now is necessary. Benefits of a Spinal TapĪ spinal tap can find out if there is an infection, such as spinal meningitis, or bleeding, such as a brain hemorrhage. Other tests, like cultures, may take a few days to weeks and requires follow up with your healthcare provider. Initial test results of the spinal fluid may take 1-2 hours. If this happens contact a healthcare provider immediately.

The puncture site may be sore for 1-2 days, but should not become red or drain pus. You may be asked to lie flat on your back or stomach to reduce the possibility of developing a spinal tap headache. The spinal needle is then removed and a bandage placed over the puncture site. It will take 2-3 minutes to collect about a teaspoon of spinal fluid. The spinal needle will be inserted over the spine in your lower back. This will usually cause a brief burning or stinging sensation. A numbing medication will be injected before the spinal needle is inserted. Be sure not to reach back or touch these drapes. Your back will be cleaned with an antiseptic scrub then covered with sterile drapes. Certain areas of your body will be used as landmarks so the provider may need to feel your pelvic bone and spine to locate the right place. Hold as still as possible so you stay in position. It will take a few minutes to prepare the tray for the procedure. Both positions cause your back to arch, which opens the space between the bones of the spine making the procedure easier. You will be asked to lie on your side with your knees to your chest or to sit up and lean over. The ProcedureĪ spinal tap usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

If you are allergic to numbing medications, like lidocaine, or cleaning agents, like Betadine, be sure to tell your provider. You may be asked to confirm that the procedure has been explained to you and that you understand the risks. You do not need to do anything to prepare for the spinal tap. Information About Your Spinal Tap The Preparation It can be done by a variety of healthcare providers including doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. People of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, may need this procedure. There are many other reasons to do a spinal tap and it is a very common, safe, and simple procedure done in emergency rooms and medical offices every day. The most common reasons people need this procedure include severe headache, fever with a stiff neck or vomiting, or confusion. The purpose of a spinal tap, also called lumbar puncture or LP, is to get a sample of the fluid from the spinal column to find out if there is an infection or bleeding.

Side effects after lumbar puncture