Spinal Tap

My mother recently had a spinal tap done. After the procedure she started having terrible headaches and nausea. She had to leave work early because of the pain, which is highly unusual as she has worked with migranes in the past. My father was worried and made her go to the doctor where the realized something went wrong during the procedure.

Apparently she was leaking spinal fluid so they had to draw a bunch of blood and inject into the leak to create a blood clot. This helped a trememdous amount and her headaches and nausea went away.

Now I found out that the hospital never ran the tests and when she questioned them they said she needed another spinal tap because her sample had "gone bad". The way my father described my mother's condition after the first procedure I would be surprised if she is willing to go back anytime soon for a second procedure.

I assist with LP's in my role as an Alzheimer's research coordinator... The symptoms you describe are pretty rare and can be extremely unlikely to occur if the patient is well hydrated for 24 hours prior to the LP and not on aspirin for a couple days prior. Of course the technique of the neurologist makes a huge difference as well, and if the patient lies on her side for an hour afterwards before moving after the LP it can really help.

EDIT: LP = Lumbar Puncture = Spinal Tap
EDIT2: CSF should always be processed stat--it can't sit around for hours like blood

This is totally off topic, but even the thought of THINKING of maybe possibly EVER having to get a spinal tap makes me feel ill.

let alone having two.

Good luck to your mother, Grange. It can't be easy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wicked_sick

This is totally off topic, but even the thought of THINKING of maybe possibly EVER having to get a spinal tap makes me feel ill.

let alone having two.

Good luck to your mother, Grange. It can't be easy.

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Yes, good luck to your mother, Grange. Wicked: LP's really aren't that bad. Properly done, the only thing you feel is a slight burning sensation when the lidocaine is injected, then you're totally numb. The headache side effect is rare (much less than 1%) but certainly horrible, though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bc

I assist with LP's in my role as an Alzheimer's research coordinator... The symptoms you describe are pretty rare and can be extremely unlikely to occur if the patient is well hydrated for 24 hours prior to the LP and not on aspirin for a couple days prior. Of course the technique of the neurologist makes a huge difference as well, and if the patient lies on her side for an hour afterwards before moving after the LP it can really help.

EDIT: LP = Lumbar Puncture = Spinal Tap
EDIT2: CSF should always be processed stat--it can't sit around for hours like blood

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I have had three of these done. Doctors told me basically what bc said...DRINK LOTS OF WATER and they made sure I was on my side after the procedure.

Sorry your mom has to go throught this. It is very painful.