Post-LP caffeine?

[Lulu54]

Several of you have suggested that I ingest mass quantities of caffeine laced drinks after my LP today.  I am wondering if any of you know the reason why? I have been off caffeine since March, thanks to all the GI tests being done, and just haven't gone back to it.  

But then again I'm off chocolate too if you can imagine that!!

Thanks,
Laura, limbo, no rx, no dx, plenty of sx (symptoms, not sex!)

[Lulu54]

So I could have skipped that 20oz diet coke that caused me to wake at 2:45?  LOL

Its interesting that this myth about caffeine persists despite no hard science to back its worth.

Be well,
Laura

[Quixotic1]

They remove almost no fluid and few electrolytes.  The four tubes they collect each hold 5cc.  So, 4 tubes would be about 4 teasoonfuls (20 cc's or  two thirds of an ounce.

I'll look up the rationale behind caffeine.

I have read several sources that say they is no known way to "ward off" the headache.  You either get it or you don't.  I actually don't know.  In my 3 LPs I am 1 for 3 in getting a headache.

The headache isn't from dehydration, but from a sudden drop in the CSF pressure if the tap hole continues to leak.

Quix

[Shellshack]

Hi Laura.  I may not be 100% correct here, but a nurse friend of mine said the caffeine supposedly helps close the area where they do the LP, thus decreasing the risk of a spinal headache...leaking spinal fluid.  However, when I had my LP, there were two PA's and nurse there and we discussed what's myth and what's true and the senior PA whose been doing LP's for years said he's heard it all, not sure about caffiene but fluid intake was a MUST and defintiely helps.  He recommended gatoraide to help get your electrolyte's back up from the fluid they withdraw.  I'm assuming it's kinda like being dehydrated.  I drank three medium gatoraides the day of and a couple of cups of mountain dew.  I think it's important to drink fluids severals days after too.  And just lay as flat as you can as long as you can.

Good luck!  Let me know how it goes.

Prayers and hugs,
Shelley