Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): What to Expect at Home
Your Recovery
A spinal tap (also called a lumbar puncture) is a test to check the fluid that surrounds and protects your spinal cord and brain. Your doctor may have done this test to look for an infection. Sometimes it's done to release pressure from too much fluid or to look for diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
You may feel tired, and your back may be sore where the needle went in (the puncture site). You may have a mild headache for a day or two. This can happen when some of the spinal fluid is removed. Drinking extra fluids, taking pain medicine, and lying down for several hours after the procedure may help the headache be less severe. Some people also have trouble sleeping for a day or two.
The fluid taken during a spinal tap is often sent to a lab for tests. Your doctor or nurse will call you with the test results.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.
How can you care for yourself at home?
Activity
- Lying flat in bed after a lumbar puncture does not prevent you from getting a headache from the procedure.
- If you develop a headache after a lumbar puncture, lying flat for several hours may help.
- Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
- Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
Diet
- Drink extra fluids after the procedure to help a headache be less severe.
Medicines
- If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
- If you have pain, take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:
- Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
- Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.
- If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have a new or higher fever and a stiff neck.
- You have a severe headache.
- You have any drainage or bleeding from the puncture site.
- You feel numb or lose strength below the puncture site.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You still have a headache or sore back 2 days after your procedure.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter P586 in the search box to learn more about "Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): What to Expect at Home".
Adaptation Date: 3/2/2022
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
