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Real members of MyMigraineTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Spinal Taps?

A MyMigraineTeam Member asked a question 💭
Norwich, CT

I'm seeing a Headache Specialist who obviously is a neurologist next week. My regular neurologist has done a great job trying, but the meds aren't working and I'm experiencing several more symptoms quickly. I'm sure I'll need one. I've been poked and prodded, sliced and diced, and I've been ok. I'm terrified of the spinal tap. Can everyone give me the scoop on the pain, procedure, etc. Please be honest and straightforward. No sugercoating. Lol. I'm a pretty strong chick, but I'd like some… read more

January 26
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A MyMigraineTeam Member

A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) can be used to check for infection, bleeding, cancer, or inflammation in the brain. It involves the doctor inserting a thin, hollow needle between two vertebrae in your back to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF bathes the brain and the spinal cord. This procedure can cause Show Full Answer

A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) can be used to check for infection, bleeding, cancer, or inflammation in the brain. It involves the doctor inserting a thin, hollow needle between two vertebrae in your back to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF bathes the brain and the spinal cord. This procedure can cause discomfort, and many people develop a headache afterward.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the article "Migraine – The Path to Diagnosis" on MyMigraineTeam.

July 24
A MyMigraineTeam Member

It's not a big deal, really. I've had 4. One of the doctors was older and was amazing. I could tell he had done many. It will be fine, I promise.

February 1
A MyMigraineTeam Member

I’ve been thinking about you
Thinking this spinal tap out…. If you remember from high school or college, spinal taps take a sample of your spinal fluid…this fluid is very important to keep our brains lubed, short answer for sure, they are used to evaluate if you have an infection like spinal meningitis and more. Yes I won’t lie I’ve never had one but I’ve heard they are very uncomfortable, which is your body saying get out, right. But if you’re worried about pain? Ask the dr who is performing this how can I make this procedure more comfortable? Maybe ice, Iibuprofen routinely taken if your kidneys are fine you can take upto 3 every 6 hours maybe alternate with extra strength Tylenol? Again these meds are based on healthy organs too!
😉🤞🙏🙏

January 30
A MyMigraineTeam Member

Now the epidural you feel a lot of pressure & the worst pain you ever will.But when done you will feel relief .Take pain to get rid of pain.Depend on how bad you want the pain to go away

https://pain.Depend
https://will.But
January 29
A MyMigraineTeam Member

It's nothing to it.. it's a pitch in your lower back and the doctor extract the fluid into a tube. Then it's sent to the lab. It's nothing to stress over.

January 29

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