Hello
@serafim. I can certainly understand your concern because about l-2 years ago I had two lumbar punctures (spinal taps). There are times when they're absolutely necessary to rule out all infections. In my case, I had unknown autoimmune encephalitis...and it can do great damage to the brain. The only way at present of ruling it out is via the lumbar puncture.
I was unconscious for the first, (naturally as I had a number of serious problems), and the sample was sent to the Cleveland Clinic. About a week later I had symptoms of something else and again, a lumbar puncture was needed. Yes, I've know people who have needed patches and I did have some difficulty that was not common.
Unknown to me one of the doctors had abruptly stopped one of my long term medications. Never told me, of course. Anyway, the test was fine....really over in no time at all. Local anesthetic prevented it from hurting. I stayed flat until I was told I could gradually sit up. This was during COVID so there was a nurse shortage.
To shorten a long story, on the 2nd day I started speaking in a loud manner and really just didn't care who was bothered by it. I felt like my mind had taken flight. Finally, that evening I was given an injection that certain silenced me, but left me with an extreme headache and pinging sensations all over my back. It was so bad, yet somehow familiar and yet I couldn't explain the feeling to anyone. I finally remembered that I had the exact same sensations when I had surgery for the cysts in my spinal cord. A horrible headache accompanies this....and I still have it occasionally today. Other days I have sinus headaches, but I have allergies so I simply live with it.
I wouldn't think they would do a lumbar puncture unless absolutely necessary. My second sample, again sent to the Cleveland Clinic, confirmed that indeed I did have autoimmune encephalitis. My crazy yelling and talking was the only symptom.
After the diagnosis, I had to be seen by a psychiatrist because of damage to certain parts of the brain. This is a serious matter and no, ordinary tests don't provide the answers the doctors need. I was seen over 3 days and finally given the OK for discharge. I have some memory problems, but I have insomnia and I am an older woman....what do I expect? I came out of that ordeal with two types of epilepsy and have to take meds for each one. No, the lumbar puncture didn't cause them, and doctors saw exactly what my seizures were like....but I couldnt' remember anything. Even now I have the extremely rare seizure and can't remember falling and breaking my wrist for example.
This would be my only real caution if you decide to do the test: Why is it necessary and exactly what are they looking for? You'll only have the one test. If your knees are bothersome, ask for the puncture to be done on your side...my only complaint was that it was hard on my knees. Apart from that, there were no problems whatsoever. The method of getting the sample was much easier on the patient.
Things like epilepsy become more common as we age...a fact that I didn't know. I've had 4 lumbar punctures over probably 40 years. Some things like autoimmune encephalitis do great damage to the brain...you need treatment and without it, you may not be in good shape. Stop reading about all of the things that can go wrong.....it causes anxiety plus. It's never easy, but you really have to weigh your options. I wish you good fortune and hope that all goes and turns out well. Yours, Lenora
