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Is nerve damage a possible complication of lumbar puncture?

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ronan57888
ronan57888

I had a lumbar puncture 7 weeks ago to diagnose viral meningitis. The initial LP went really badly; a student doctor was being shown how to do it, and after several failed attempts to draw CSF, with the needle being poked around my back a lot, they gave up and done it under X-ray (fluoroscopy) instead.

Since my LP, I've had various issues that might point to nerve damage but I'm not sure because I'm not a doctor and the only issue mentioned as a possible side-effect was a headache in the 48 hours after the procedure.

I've had several worrying problems potentially pointing to nerve issues. The first is a pain in my lower back when I bend down. The pain is not severe but it does impact on flexibility because it hurts and it's exactly at the point where the LP was done. The second issue is severe aching pain along my peroneal nerve on my right leg. I've been to a few doctors over this and most of them diagnosed nerve pain.

Additionally, I had 2 really scary aura migraines in the three weeks following the LP procedure, despite never having had a migraine in my life. Both migraines involved a marching pins and needles/numbness that began in my feet and spread like a wave across one side of my body before disappearing to make way for visual zig zag lines and finally an excruciating migraine.

I'm on a waiting list to see a neurologist but it's not for 10 weeks. In the meantime, I'm just wondering if there are other possible side-effects of lumbar punctures, especially ones that don't go to plan? Thanks for any advice.

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Backpain0405
    Backpain0405 ronan57888

    Posted

    Hi Ronan

    You're not alone with what you've experienced, I've been through exactly the same thing following a lumbar puncture to diagnose vita meningitis.

    Similarly to you, the doctor performing it was being guided by someone more senior and multiple failed attempts then led to the senior doctor taking over on the 4/5th attempt.

    This was in September 2016!

    I've had severe lower back issues and limited mobility ever since. I've had 2 MRI scans, visits to the pain management clinic, spinal specialists and now undergoing physiotherapy which I'm probably going to have for another 6 months minimum.

    I had 6 months off work and I still take regular pain killers for nerve pain and have been told by most doctors / specialists that it's nerve damage related. The pain goes down my right thigh sometimes too.

    Also seen a neurologist and he said I do have a full chance of recovery at some point but it's been a nightmare.

    Personally my advice would be to push for further referrals asap! Only because I've had this back pain for 9 months and although it IS so much better than it was however I still can't sit in one position for very long because of the pain.

    Also push with different medications to try and find some that suit you and relieve the pain.

    All the best for the future and I hope you make a full recovery smile

  • matyboyie
    matyboyie ronan57888

    Posted

    hey how are you doing now ? im 4 weeks post LP dont have a bad headache anymore but got pressure feeling in my eye and I'm dizzy sometimes. back is still tender and hurts.

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