Lumbar Puncture

Spinal Tap

How It Feels

Some people find it uncomfortable to lie curled up on their side. The soap may feel cold on your back. You will probably feel a brief pinch or sting when the numbing medicine is given. You may feel a brief pain when the spinal needle is inserted or repositioned.

During the procedure, the needle may touch one of your spinal nerves and cause a tingling feeling, like a light electrical shock, running down one of your legs. The needle will not touch or damage the spinal cord.

Some people (10% to 25%) develop a headache after having a lumbar puncture. Of those who do get headaches, only about half report that they are severe. These headaches last 24 to 48 hours and go away on their own. Pain medicine does not help control the headache, but lying flat in bed for several hours after the procedure may help the headache.

You may feel tired and have a mild backache the day after the procedure. Some people have trouble sleeping for 1 to 2 days.

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Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS	Last Updated: September 12, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology/Oncology
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