Is fatigue,and pain a normal reaction to the lumbar puncture and the attempt to remove fluid ?
Patient: I had a lumbar puncture two days ago to check my pressure because I am having a loud whooshing pulsating noise in my ears and headaches. My pressure was high. It was 28. Dr tried to remove fluid to relieve pressure but couldn t because it hurt too badly. It hurt in the butt area towards bottom of tailbone like someone was poking or shocking it and pain down my right leg. For the past two days I have had extreme pain down lower back and right leg making it difficult to sit, stand or bend. Just the smallest movement of bending my head to kiss my baby sends the extreme pain to my lower back. I am also experiencing extremely fatigue. It is very hard to even hold my eyes open. Is this a normal reaction to the lumbar puncture and the attempt to remove fluid ? Doctor: Brief Answer:Fatigue and pain is a normal reaction to lumbar puncture.Detailed Answer:Hello,Thank you for using HCM. I understand your concern.After the lumbar puncture, you may feel pain or tenderness in your lower back. The pain might radiate down the back of your legs. In most cases, the pain will ease after a few days and it can be treated with painkillers, such as paracetamol.Fatigue, does fit with performing of the procedure. You may develop a headache, nausea, fatigue afterward due to a leak of fluid into nearby tissues. A pain-relieving medication that contains acetaminophen can help you reduce headache too.Try to rest and don't participate in strenuous activities. Regarding the results of the cerebrospinal fluid taken by lumbar puncture, is important to evaluate his appearance, WBC count, Glucose level, Protein level, beside the opening pressure (that in your case is elevated), in way to be focused into a possible diagnosis. It can be considered additional tests such as CSF culture, depending on clinical findings.Hope this is helpful.Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer.Kind Regards, Dr. Juarda