From the article: Headache as a Side Effect of Lumbar Punctures
Have you ever had a lumbar puncture (aka “spinal tap”)? For most people on their way to an MS diagnosis, this is one of the tests performed. What was your lumbar puncture like? Was the procedure better or worse than you thought it would be? Did you get a headache afterwards or have any other side effects? Do you have any advice for people going in for a lumbar puncture to make the experience a little more pleasant? Share Ideas and Stories
LP Pain
- I had lumbar puncture done unexpectantly 4 days ago. It took the physician 30-45 min to get the right spot. This was painful within its self. I guess he was tired because i was his 7th lp that evening before going home . Finally, he used the longest needle possible & after five min or so, an electric shock shot through my body & he yelled, "i got it"! After another 10 min, he was done. I had lie there 30 min before getting dressed. I had minimal pain that day but next day i had lower back pain & intense tingling in legs & feet. 3 days afterwards, i had the worst headaches. They have been horrible. I have taken migraine meds, caffine etc....nothing works! could use
- —Guest Ophelia
Got the headache = Blood Patch ASAP Pt2
- including that if I felt any nerve pain that he would have to quit or cause permanent damage. I had it and they were unable to draw as much as they wanted. That night the headache from heck started. Thank God for the anesthesiologist doctor that came to the ER. Unfortunately the nurse they gave her wasn't up to par. She had me sit completely still with my dad holding me for support. Then she told the nurse that as soon as she put the needle in my back the nurse would have to draw out the blood and hand it to her instantaneously. The nurse wasn't prepared so the doc reached over drew the blood out faster than lightning and inserted into my back. If you get the Spinal/Lumbar Headache, don't hesitate, don't wait it out; get to the ER fast and beg for that Blood Patch. There are no words to describe the relief it gives. Five years later they want me to do another. My suggestion is to do it only as the last possible option. My next Lumbar Puncture will be when heck freezes over.
- —Guest Lisa
Got the headache = Blood Patch ASAP Pt1
- While I appreciate the article; having never had the Spinal Headache one can never understand. I truly appreciate you stating that you did not get one, clearly, because it is a major side effect. I have yet to hear of anyone getting the "no big deal" headache. I have yet to hear of anyone getting a mild headache that tends to go away on its own. "Excruciating" really doesn't even begin to cover the pain. To someone who has survived years of disabling migraines and other headaches and pains, imagine all of those combined into one massive headache and then add getting constantly hit by a ten ton truck and that might be a mild comparison. You should also be aware of all the risks involved, and never be afraid to question everything; the most severe risk being paralysis. And any consequential back issues, like I had several days later that lead to a herniated disc right in that area. I was warned by the doc doing the procedure of most risks,...
- —Guest Lisa
terrible "post LP" experience
- I had my lp done by a doctor in the emerg, they can't figure out why I'm having nausea vomitting and loss of balance after ct scan results were clear! My fmily dc said it was only an inflammed inner ear but the neurologist need to make sure if I have MS or menengitis which they find out all clear from that LP. It was done quickly last Wed.night not even 20 mins.,was released from the emerg at dawn and the next thing I feel was severe headache at the base of my neck going all through my head! I just came back again from dififferent emerg hospital and they just gave me pain killer. I couldn't stand up or sit up and even bear the weight of my own head for 5 mins. "its excruciating pain". It is the 5th day now am still in bed,if only I have read some other stories about LP before, I refused to have it done with me...can't go to work,can't even eat what I want because of nausea and vomitting! Shoul I go for Epidural blood patch?need help...
- —LP_unforgettable2012
Lumbar puncture
- I have had 5 lumbar punctures. I had one headache after the third one and got a blood patch. It was a God send. They take blood from the arm put it in the back and you are instantly well. For me I had no other problems. I write this only to encourage those of you who need one to see that they can be a breeze not at all to minimize the experience of others. I took a friend yesterday for one and it was amazing. They used a topical anesesthic and then a small needle to numb deeper gave her 10 mg. of Valium and she literally came out smiling. I had been up with her all night as she read one horror story after another and was prepared for the worst. I am so grateful for the outcome. Please know if you have to have a LP that it can be an o.k. Experience.
- —Guest Monique
LP experience
- I went into hospital due to numbness & tingling from waist down for 3 weeks. Had 2 MRI's (not bad) and a LP. The radiologist that did the LP looked thru an xray machine as he did it - great experience - no pain & then no headache. If I have to do it again - I will make sure this Dr. is the one I use. I am newly diagnosed with MS since the tests were done.
- —uniqueny46
LP deaf mare
- Had my LP on Friday, wasn't as painful. As I though it would be, it was the after that was and still is crippling pain. My neuro told me to stay on my back for 48hrs. That I could get up to use the bathroom and to eat, I sat up for dinner and suddenly broke out in a drenching sweat, my ears started ringing then I went deaf fir a minute. This was very scary. I haven't been able to sleep from excruciating lower back pain that radiates down my legs. My headaches have gotten worse and worse, I tried going to the hospital but as you know our health care sucks, I feel like I'm going to die and they tell me it could be up to a 4hr. Wait I have to lie down so I went back home to suffer and still suffering no strength to wait, so if you are thinking on having one make sure your doc gives you something to take home for pain extreme pain!!! And buy a bed pan, stay in bed. I'dget never do it again.
- —Guest Tania
LP - not!
- I am an ICU nurse. I am recently diagnosed with MS. Since there can be false negatives with an LP for MS, the test does not confirm nor rule out MS. Weighing that against the known and serious risks of an LP, I chose against this test. I was still diagnosed using multiple other confirmatory and safer tests.
- —Guest ICU Nurse with MS
Age 14
- I had major migranes and the doctor decided to do a lp. My mom and I weren't really sure if it was the best idea. So the doctor did the lp, and 15 days later I had to get a epidermal blood patch because u had headaches from the lp. He had torn the tube in my spine and it was leaking. No one could figure it out, but finally the neurologist did and had the blood patch surgery that day. I was 14 when thus happened and my back still hurts. I was born in '95
- —Guest Legend killer
lp
- I went to the er for a migraine & that ER Dr thought he needed to do a lunbar puncture on me... He sent me home 30 min after the Lp and very nxt day I was back in the ER and got admitted in the hospital for 3 days... Anytime I sat up or stood up I would get crazy painful headache right there in front of my head... I would get relief if I laid down but I hve 2 small kids so laying down for a few days was no option for me. Don't let a Dr do a Lp on you unless its just really necessary... I felt this Dr was punishing me bc toredol did not help me so he said ill give u something stronger but I'm doing a lp.
- —Guest sara
LP Procedure was great, headache was not
- I had my LP done by a radiologist, didn't feel a thing... the IV was worse than the procedure. They made me stay laying down for 4 hours afterwards, but I could already feel a headache coming on when I left (which I get everyday anyway). I stayed laying down all that day and most of the next. It was Halloween the next day so I got up to help the kids get ready, but ended up with such a bad headache I was nausous and couldn't stay up. Stayed down all the next day, but by Monday morning (3 days after procedure) I wasn't able to stay sitting up withouth getting sick... When I called my Neuro he immediatly had a Blood Patch scheduled... the procedure wasn't bad and they had me gradually sit up over a couple hours and afterwards the headache was gone. My back was a bit sore for a couple days, but it was much better than the headache.
- —Guest Christa
Are these headaches deadly???
- Started the morning after my spinal tap. I suffer from migraines but these headaches are the worst ever! Haven't been able to be on my feet for more than five minutes. I'm praying that it goes away soon.
- —Guest Cindy in pain
LP never again
- Had a lp 2 days ago, the pain it has caused is indescribable. The headaches are pain I have never experienced. I would never have one again.
- —Guest brett
blood patch
- I got a spinal tap done Thursday to test for meningitis, which I didn't have. The er doctor told me to lay flat for an hour and that I might have a headache thay will last "a few hours" that was not the case! I couldn't stand or sit up for 5 days because of the intense spinal headaches. I had to call off work, find a babysitter for my 18 month old, and cancel my vacation. It was a nightmare. I got the blood patch today and immediately felt better!!! The headaches are gone and I can go back to my normal life. The blood patch is a slightly unpleasant procedure where they take blood from your arm and inject it back into your spine. This stops the leak of spinal fluid which is the essential cause of spinal headaches. I strongly recommend never getting a spinal tap but if you have to follow it up with a blood patch! Good luck to everyone who is suffering from a spinal headache I know first hand its an awful experience.
- —Guest Amy
Post LP pain
- I had a LP on Thursday. Stayed in the hospital afterwards for four hours flat on my back, drank lots of fluids and followed all discharge instructions. Woke up Friday with a horrible headache and backache. Took OTC meds and caffeine. Then it came back with a vengeance yesterday and nothing helps but laying flat on my back. I called my neuro who told me it could last for a week? I am immobile. I even sit upright and it's horrible head and neck pain, nausea, dizziness. Shouldn't my neuro be a little more concerned? Maybe prescribe me something stronger? I rarely even get headaches. This is my first LP. And hopefully my last... :(
- —Guest Monica
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