HOW PAINFUL IS A SPINAL TAP? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

KrazyKat · 07-27-2003, 09:07 AM

I saw an episode on ER in which a man, while having a spinal tap, suddenly jerked and cried out that it hurt too much. He had to be held down. Is this procedure really that painful??? Now I am afraid to have a medical problem evaluated for fear I will need a spinal tap. Can't the patient be sedated?

suepie · 07-28-2003, 03:30 PM

hi! i too was scared to death people telling me horror stories. to tell the truth i think it was easier than when i got a shot in the roof of my mouth. i did not fgeel anything and didnt even know he was finished. ive since read many messages here that all say about the same thing. i just relaxed and i think a nurse was talking to me to distract me. i was on the car phone(not driving) on the way home. i did rest for awhile and had no side effects. good luck----sue

ms_gkygrl · 07-30-2003, 06:49 PM

Hi There ...

I had a spinal tap last summer and is was actually very integral to the diagnostic process for MS (for me). My neuro performed the lumbar puncture and made sure I was curled up in a ball. He was very gentle and it was not bad -- he did need to readjust the needle a bit and get me to curl tighter -- that helped a lot by opening up the speces between the discs in the spine (a certain spot he needed to get the needle). The procedure was done in about 5 minutes (drip, drip, drip) and I thought of the analogy of a "maple tree" -- being tapped for syrup. Schmaltzy, but it worked for me.

I walked out of the hospital room with a bandaid on the spot. I made sure to move very gingerly and spend the day on the couch to try to avoid the spinal headache. No headache -- just a little tired because I spent so much time worrying about the procedure.

Do yourself a favor -- don't worry, get it done. It is really no big deal.

best wishes!

Gary Wolfer · 08-10-2003, 05:41 PM

what would you want a spinal tap for you can get the answers you need from a mri and or cat scan and blood tests.

Thumper3172 · 08-19-2003, 04:40 PM

I had a Spinal tap and the pain wasnt nothing compared to the drawing up of my right groin.

The deeper the Doctor went in with the Stylet,the more I had the drawing up sensation.I couldnt tolerate that at ALL.In fact,they had to reschedule it and knock me out.Im a baby tho

We have to watch about letting television horrify us coz it does!!