What should you do after a lumbar puncture?

Recovering from a lumbar puncture

  1. drink plenty of fluids.
  2. take painkillers, such as paracetamol.
  3. lie down instead of sitting upright.
  4. try drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea or cola – some people find this helps to relieve the headaches.
  5. remove the dressing or plaster yourself the next day.

What should you monitor after a lumbar puncture?

After the procedure

  • Apply brief pressure to the puncture site.
  • Place the patient flat on bed.
  • Monitor vital signs, neurologic status, and intake and output.
  • Monitor the puncture site for signs of CSF leakage and drainage of blood.
  • Encourage increased fluid intake.
  • Label and number the specimen tube correctly.

Do you have to rest after a lumbar puncture?

If you develop a headache after a lumbar puncture, lying flat for several hours may help. Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover. Ask your doctor when you can drive again.

How long after lumbar puncture can I shower?

Wait 48 hours before taking a bath or using a hot tub. You may shower after the procedure. On the day of your procedure, rest as much as possible.

What is the most common complication of lumbar puncture?

Post-LP headache — Headache, which occurs in 10 to 30 percent of patients, is one of the most common complications following LP.

Can I lay on my side after a lumbar puncture?

After a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), you will be instructed to lie flat on your back, stomach, or side for four to six hours. Your blood pressure, pulse, and puncture site will be checked according to your doctor’s orders. Once you are home, you will need to lie down and rest for the remainder of the day.

What are the side effects of a lumbar puncture?

What are the risks of a lumbar puncture?

  • A small amount of CSF can leak from the needle insertion site.
  • You may have a slight risk of infection because the needle breaks the skin’s surface, providing a possible way for bacteria to enter the body.
  • Short-term numbness of the legs or lower back pain may be experienced.

Is it normal to have a headache after a spinal tap?

Spinal headaches are a fairly common complication in those who undergo a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or spinal anesthesia. Both procedures require a puncture of the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and, in the lower spine, the lumbar and sacral nerve roots.

How long does it take to recover from a spinal fluid leak?

Postoperatively, patients are placed on bed rest in the hospital, typically for two to three days, to help facilitate the healing process and closely monitor for leak recurrence. The repair site can take four to six weeks to heal completely.