Is a Spinal Tap safe

[motox320]

My neurologist wants to do a tap, just in case to look for stuff like lyme.

Me, 25 male. left sided facial numbness (mild) started 2.5 years ago. Normal MRI-MRA

2 months ago, daily headaches, light sensativity, some mild vertigo came on.

I had a MRI-MRA exactly one month ago, that was NORMAL.

Had, an eye exam this week. Looked good, no inflmation on slit lamp, or on dilation.

Tap, is for next week.

Is this safe? I just dont want to have Increased Pressure or something like that, then get the tap done as that could be dangerous.

Thanks

[naturalwv]

I've had three with no effects, except for a sore back from lying still for hours after wards.

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
A spinal tap is a safe procedure if performed by an experienced person. However some complications are associated with the procedure though rare. These include bleeding from injury to blood vessels, leak of CSF, headaches, likelihood of formation of epidermoid cyst, herniation and some more. Please discuss these possibilities with the neurosurgeon and please see to it that he is an experienced one. Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!

[Cath278]

Hi. I can understand your fears but sometimes you have to go that extra yard to find out what is going on.  I, myself, was messed around for awhile, till i agreed to a lp. All tests up to that point were negitive but the the lp comfirmed the diagnoses. All tho not the most pleasent of tests ,it is over in 20 or so mins. You can ask for some valium to help you to relax.Dangerous? Only in inexperieced hands which  Im sure it wont be. Trust me, it is better to get to the root of the problem and move forward. All the best cath278.