Like any invasive procedure, a spinal tap comes with certain risks, and doctors have to weigh those risks against the potential benefits.
Some people develop a headache — called a “spinal headache” — after a spinal tap. Spinal headaches usually start within a day or two after a lumbar puncture but can occur several days later. They are thought to result from an internal leak at the puncture site, which is believed to cause pressure changes in the cerebrospinal fluid that can be sensed by the dura mater, the tough membrane that surrounds the spinal cord.
You’ll know it’s a spinal headache if the pain goes away when you lie down but reappears when you sit or stand.
Home remedies for a mild spinal headache include:
- Lying down in a comfortable position
- Drinking liquids
- Taking an over-the-counter analgesic, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Studies have shown that caffeine can also be helpful.
Let your doctor know if you develop a headache following a spinal tap, particularly if your pain or any other symptoms, such as nausea, are severe or get progressively worse.
According to Orhun Kantarci, MD, a professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, spinal headaches usually last no longer than three days, and they usually go away on their own.
Other potential complications of a spinal tap include infection and bleeding, but both are rare. Contact your physician immediately if you experience signs of infection such as fever, severe neck stiffness, and pain or redness at the puncture site.
