Do they put people out for spinal taps/ lumbar puncture?

Question

I am having a spinal tap on monday and I am so freaking scared. I have had one before about a year ago and it hurt so bad I am woundering if they put people out for them becuase I don't want to go through the same pain I did the last time.

Answer 1

I recently had a brain aneurysym and they found fluid in the brain, so I had to have a spinal tap. I got several done, about once a week, and it wasn't painful for me. I just curled up and they stuck the needle in. Unless the person you had, didn't know what they were doing. You know, how sometimes you get a blood test, and some do it good and others are not so adept. I think your experience is not the usual, as I say I've had several, and there was never any pain for me. But perhaps you could tell them you're nervous, maybe you could get a relaxant of some sort. But it's not really painful. But tell them when you're there, and you should be able to get some extra help. Good luck and don't worry!

Answer 2

Generally no, general anesthetic is not used for an LP (lumbar puncture).

Local numbing is used after sterile prepping of the area. It is generally well tolerated. Risks include infection at the site, pain at the site and headache after the procedure. All of these complications are rare, but the "post-LP" headache is the most common.

I am afraid your personal experience is the exception rather than the rule.

Some doctors will be kind enough to provide a medication to reduce anxiety before the LP.

Answer 3

Drink Coke, lots of Coke before the spinal tap and it won't hurt so bad. My mom had a spinal tap a few years ago, and her neurologist told her to drink coke before hand. She found it very difficult but she drank 2 litters of Coke that day. And she said she didn't feel it at all. He also told her to come home and lie in bed, without moving for 12 hours latter. This she did.

If you want more information go to http://multiplesceloris.blogharbor.com. There is an indepth first person account of a spinal tap in the archives.

Answer 4

I personally have been given a spinal tap while I was out during a surgery, but the removal of the tap was when I was awake.

Answer 5

I did one for a research study, and they let me go home after about 2 hours. I shouldn't have of course, and I walked to the bus, etc. The next morning I was up at school at 5 am and started getting headaches. They weren't bad but I kept having uncontrollable barfing for the next 8 hours. Even barfed on the bus home. The guy who did it didn't do a bad job, try to get someone who is experienced. I did have really bad sciatia down my legs one time after it, but that was it. I'll never do another one again, no matter what! They suck!

Answer 6

They numb the skin, but want you awake so you can report if there is any unexpected symptoms. It's not that bad to go thru, keep your chin tucked and yourself rolled into a ball. You will do fine!

Answer 7

They didn't for me and it was painful. See if they could give you a local anesthetic.

Also I think you have to be in a certain position and it would be kind of hard if you were asleep.

Answer 8

Give it another day or so. Have someone look at the site to make sure it isn't unusually red or swollen.

Answer 9

Talk with your doctor about this now. You may be able to be mildy sedated in addition to the local anaesthesia.

Answer 10

no they don't put you out. reason it lets the Dr. know if there is any complications during procedure. local anestetic is used to numb the immediate area.