Query: Lumbar Puncture Aftermath
Quote:
>I'm wondering what is a typical experience after a spinal tap. Mine included
>meningitis-like symptoms (sans fever) which peaked at 2-4 days after, with
>headaches tapering off over the next 2-3 weeks. Is this duration unusual?
>By the way, this procedure was prompted by an MS-like syndrome plus joint
>pains, for which all plausible causes have been considered, most tested for,
>but none confirmed. The cerebrospinal fluid was not remarkable in any way.
Meningeal signs are very unusual unless dye has been injected. Post spinal
headache occurs in probably the majority of young patients. The best way
to prevent it is to stay at rest with the head lower than the back (or
at least at the same level) for 24 hours. If upon arising, headache
appears, patient should remain recumbant until able to get up without
pain. Were you checked for Lyme, incidentally?
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Gordon Banks N3JXP | "When in danger, or in doubt
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