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DiscussionPET scan vs Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test
Brain & Nervous System | Last Active: May 14 3:19pm | Replies (16)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "I was instructed to take Tylenol before spinal tap. I had a spontaneous CSF leak in..."
Yes - its not that the CSF draw itself is painful. But occasionally a puncture hole may result in a teensy leak when the needle is withdrawn. The CSF channel is an extremely precise, barometric balanced, closed loop pressure system. If the puncture hole doesn't seal off when the needle is removed, the result is a massive headache from the pressure change. You have to lay flat and still as you can until your body seals it off or the Doc applies a drop of your blood to patch it. Once it stabilizes the pain reduces unless you move again. You will definitely know when pressure balance is restored and you can change position.