A spinal tap is a procedure where a needle is inserted in the lumbar region between the vertebrae to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. A spinal tap is performed to inject chemotherapeutic agents, spinal anesthesia, and collection of CSF for its diagnosis and analysis, including analyzing its pressure in infections such as meningitis. Spinal headache due to leakage of spinal fluid from the puncture site, back pain, bleeding, etc., are some of its drawbacks.
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After the blood patch, I developed swelling and a bump. Why?
Query: Hello doctor, I had a spinal tap done two weeks ago, and a blood patch three days later. The blood patch worked but, I still get headaches and do not feel well at all. I have a swollen bump on my tailbone that hurts. I saw my doctor who did not seem too sure about it but, said there did not seem to ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello,Welcome to icliniq.com.You most probably experienced a post dural puncture headache (PDPH), for which you were administered an epidural blood patch.Your signs and symptoms are more suggestive of a meningeal irritation due to some infection. I would suggest you consult a neurophysician for the... Read Full »
How to treat headaches and backpain for epilepsy patient?
Query: Hello doctor, My 3-year-old son has been complaining of headaches and back pain. He also has epilepsy and had two spinal taps. He has been diagnosed with epilepsy since he was two weeks old. In the past, he has been on Phenobarbital. Please help. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. When has this spinal tap been done? Are headaches and back pain post spinal tap? Lumbar puncture or spinal tap causes a headache and back pain in almost all kids. If the spinal tap was done due to a headache then it is to rule out meningitis. You can just give any pa... Read Full »
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