Lumbar Puncture

Just read an interesting article on dizziness-and-balance.com under "Chiari Malformation (Mainly Type I)".  At the end of the article, it states " In our opinion, lumbar punctures, epidural blocks and related procedures that might cause a spinal fluid leak should be avoided whenever practical in persons with known Chiari Malformation.  The reason is to avoid these procedures is that they may worsen the Chiari".

[selmaS]

Yes, this procedure should be avoided if possible...and should only be done with the technician knowing about ur chiari dx....the issue is not only the possibility of a leak from the LP, but if the tech draws the fluid too quickly it can cause the tonsils to herniate further.


There r times as Pam mentioned it is necessary to use this to determine what is going on, and with a skilled person doing it...u should be  ok.


"selma"

[pamk5]

Yes, I have also read that it can be safely done if someone is aware of the Chiari and draws slowly.  At the moment I dont have alot of faith in that "someone" knowing what he or she is doing.  I think your plan is a good one.  I would delay till I was told by a CM specialist it was necessary and have them do it.  

[selmaS]

Yes, this procedure should be avoided if possible...and should only be done with the technician knowing about ur chiari dx....the issue is not only the possibility of a leak from the LP, but if the tech draws the fluid too quickly it can cause the tonsils to herniate further.


There r times as Pam mentioned it is necessary to use this to determine what is going on, and with a skilled person doing it...u should be  ok.


"selma"

[Abbydabby36]

That's basically what I've read.  Per my E Mail from Dr. Rosner, it doesn't sound like this is the problem.  I think I will put the LP on hold and set something up with Dr. Rosner as soon as we are able!

[jacmurphy]

I got a phone call from my son's NL office today. They say they want to do an LP on him. They have him booked in for 15th June. They want to do this to see if he has Nacrolepsy. I don't know what to do.

[*Stormy*]

That's interesting, I never realized that narcolepsy could be tested for in your CSF. I looked it up quickly and it seems that they are looking for what there isn't instead of what there is. It doesn't look like this test is a 100% either. If I was in your shoes, I would want them to give me a very good idea of the chance of success in ruling out/in narcolepsy VS the danger it can cause to a Chiari patient. If you go ahead with the LP, I would REALLY make sure that you have someone who knows what they are doing!!! I know in Ireland from what I heard, that might be difficult.

Good luck, let me know how it goes!
Stormy