My husband, age 72, previously in good health, has experienced gait and balance problems and weakness in legs for the last year. For the last five months we have consulted numerous specialists. Parkinson's was considered, then sort of ruled out. MRIs show severe stenosis in lumbar region but my husband has no pain in his back or legs and the neurosurgeon said it couldn't be the spine if there wasn't accompanying pain. He leans toward hydrocephalas -- one 'definitive test' indicated yes, another 'defninitive test' indicated no. Last week he opted for a three-day, in-hospital lumbar puncture to assess his gait; a needle with tube attached was inserted into the spine and periodically fluid was drained off. Then they did the gait assessment. However, something went horribly wrong. He had severe pain every time he moved, making the gait assessment worthless since all he could think about was the pain. However, at least he could walk at that time. After three days they removed the needle/drain but kept him in the hospital for one more day. He woke up the next morning unable to stand, with severe pain in his back and down his legs. Before the test we were living relatively normal lives. He walked into the hospital and four days later had to be wheeled out. He's now on a walker, barely able to move. The doctors say nothing except that 'a little pain was to be expected'. And we're still no further along with the diagnosis. We're at our wits' end. I can't believe this is a reaction to this test. Has anyone else experienced a 3-day lumbar puncture/drain like this, and if so, what was the experience? Any input/advice would be very welcome.

Not a great outcome I hope things are improving. Not unusual after lumbar puncture and especially after placement of a catheter in the spinal canal to have a poor reaction with various sorts of pain. Fortunately with time most settle down and I hope this is the outcome in your situation.
As far as what's going on that led to all of this I would disagree with your doc slightly in that once in a big while an otherwise uncomplicated spinal stenosis may cause motor symptoms without pain - however this would be rare. At your husbands age certainly a not uncommon reason for deterioration in gait would be normal pressure hydrocephalus. This is usually accompanied by some intellectual changes which may or may not be noticeable but can be tested for, and often urine incontinence.
Though it sounds like your docs are trying, these confusing neurological conditions are difficult to diagnose. You know, just for peace of mind and perhaps a fresh view you might consider a second opinion. Good Luck!

I am so sorry about your situation. Mine is similar in some ways. I had a LP in June 2005 to rule out MS. I have Lupus and Sjogrens among other things. I had the LP and immediately was unable to turn my head at all, they said that was normal and sent me home.

I did get the headache that sometimes occur and wound up having two blood patches to get those away.

I also lost my sense of balance and was falling all the time, severe tremors in my hands and terrible cognitive functions. I was unable to write a check, answer the phone and things like that. I could not speak properly, the words I need to say wouldn't come to me. I surely could not drive with the balance and slow reaction times.

Long story short, I still am not able to drive, vocalize my thought right, and cognitive dysfunction is still really bad and had to go on SSDI. Of course I lost everything I had when I was unable to work for 1 1/2 years before being granted my disability.

I never thought a lumbar puncture could cause this and after near suicide I am finally trying to get my life back in order as best I can.

Good luck.