| The most common complication following lumbar puncture is headache, which occurs in 10% to 25% of individuals and normally lasts 1 to 2 days (Spengler). The headache, sometimes referred to as a "spinal headache," is treated with bed rest, increased fluid intake, and over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen. In a small number of individuals, the spinal headache may become severe and persistent due to CSF leakage. In such cases, some physicians recommend a "blood patch," a procedure in which a small quantity of the individual's own blood is injected into the epidural space to "patch" or block the hole in the dura for evaluation and/or to cause the injection site to heal or clot more quickly and stop the leakage. Some individuals experience discomfort or a short period of mild to moderate pain during a lumbar puncture. Other less common complications include bleeding into the spinal canal, brain herniation (displacement of the brain outside of the skull secondary to increased pressure), accidental damage to the spinal cord (particularly if the individual moves during the procedure), hypersensitivity to the anesthetic used, infection, and pain or tingling in the back or leg. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor