Lumbar puncture is a procedure to take a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, which can cause severe headaches. Patients should lie down, take pain medication, drink fluids, and avoid alcohol. CSF samples can diagnose diseases. If headaches persist, a blood patch may be necessary. Serious side effects are rare but should be reported to a doctor.
A lumbar puncture, sometimes referred to as a lumbar puncture, is a procedure in which a needle is used to take a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid. Patients are usually advised to lie down for at least a few hours after lumbar puncture procedures to prevent a severe headache. Pain medications can also be used to ease headaches, and caffeine-containing drinks are also recommended. You should also stay hydrated by drinking fluids and avoiding alcohol. Some lumbar puncture side effects, such as bleeding or numbness, should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible.
CSF samples can be used in diagnostic tests for certain diseases, such as meningitis. When this fluid is removed from the area surrounding the spine, it will often lower the pressure in the brain. This lower pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to dilate, causing severe headaches in most patients.
Headache after lumbar puncture is quite common, and although some patients experience mild pain, many experience severe pain. Most doctors advise their patients to lie on their back after a spinal puncture. This will help prevent these headaches. Usually, you should lie down for an hour to a few hours.
Many times, doctors also prescribe pain medication after lumbar puncture procedures. These should be taken as prescribed to help ease the pain of the headache. Some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers may also be used. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are two popular examples of these.
Caffeine will also work to ease the pain of headaches after lumbar puncture procedures. This substance usually helps narrow the dilated blood vessels that cause the headache. Soda, coffee and tea are some good examples of beverages that contain caffeine. In some cases intravenous caffeine may also be used.
In addition to drinking caffeinated beverages, you should also consume other liquids. Water and juice are generally considered to be the best drinks for keeping yourself hydrated. Alcohol, including beer and wine, should be avoided, as they can make you even more dehydrated.
Headaches after lumbar puncture procedures usually go away within a day. If the pain persists or gets worse, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. He may suggest doing something known as a blood patch. During this procedure, a small blood sample is taken from the body and injected into the spinal sac. The blood then clots and plugs any holes in the spinal sac where the cerebrospinal fluid leaks out.
Although they are rare, other serious side effects of a lumbar puncture can also occur. You should let your doctor know if the area of your back where the needle was inserted starts to bleed. Also, if you feel numbness or tingling in your lower limbs, you should see a doctor right away.
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