Lumbar puncture side effects

Posted by matthewjacobus17 @matthewjacobus17, Feb 23, 2017

Recently I got a really bad headache i was rushed to hospital were they performed an lp on me (lumper punch) and from their everything went down hill. I had really bad pain terrible nusea , i was vomitting and was very weak I went back and fourth from hospital the doctors couldn't find what was wrong with me.

Eventually I got better but only for a short while i missed a week of school and only managed to to attened 3 days of school before my pain came back , I dont know what to do any more I have my whole life ahead of me and I want to graduate high-school so I can go to college so I can get a good job. But i cant do anything to make my pain go away.

Im really scared and want to feel better but nothing seems to be working , i cant sit up straight for long or else i get nuseases and head pain i dont know if it does have something to do with my spine.

If anyone has advice or went through the same thing please let me know.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 23, 2017

Hi Matthew,
I'm sorry to hear about the pain that you are going through. I'm tagging fellow member @bdr0408 @carer and @puzzledami who have recently talked about lumbar punctures. I think @sandytoes14 might have something to add to the discussion too.

In the meantime, while we wait for others to join the conversation, here's some information about lumbar punctures and why they are done: http://mayocl.in/2lLt5BF

Matthew, have you gotten the results from the lumbar puncture from your doctors? What is the next step? Do you have a follow-up appointment?

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Feb 23, 2017

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi Matthew, I'm sorry to hear about the pain that you are going through. I'm tagging..." + (show)

@matthewjacobus17 Hi Matthew: After reading your post, I wondered how long ago you had the lumbar puncture? Often a headache and nausea are part of the process and may take 78 hours to dissipate. I had a LP a number of years ago and was advised to drink a lot of liquids afterwards. I suppose you also had and MRI of the brain as well? Was it recommended that you follow up with a neurologist? Headaches and nausea are difficult symptoms to contend with, I agree with Colleen that you need to follow up with your doctor and keep looking for answers. Teresa

puzzledami | @puzzledami | Feb 24, 2017

Hi, Matthew! So very sorry to hear what you have been going through! On that note, I personally have been through 4 lumbar punctures, and I will be the first to attest that they can be miserable. However, they can detect certain things like meningitis and other issues that need to be addressed right away. You must take it easy after an LP and as Teresa mentioned, stay hydrated. Now, if you haven't already, you need to see a neurologist. An MRI will be in order if you haven't already had one. Migraine could be a possibility. Easily treatable. Have you seen your primary care provider in regards to this, yet?

Carer1 | @carer | Feb 24, 2017

Sorry Matthew to hear about what you are going through. Terrible headaches, some nausea and disorientation are what led to my husband's lumbar puncture. Following it his headaches subsided but he became very incoherent so I cannot shed much light on side effects of Lumbar Punctures. An MRI and the persistence of his Neurologist revealed clots in his venus sinuses for which he continues to receive treatment and is much improved today. Hope you get some answers and relief soon.