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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Spinal Tap Advisable For A Person With Curved Spinal Cord?

I have a 15 degree curve of my lower spine and a 30 degree rotation along with it. My dr wants to do a spinal tap is there anything I should ask him before hand bc he s thinking that it will go stright in like a normal persons will...is there also anything I need to do besides drink fluids ans rest? Since July both my legs have been going numb and now my right leg stays numb I have to use a cane at home and a wheelchair out in town, because of my legs going numb I have fallen and hit my head. I ve had blood work, MRI s, X-rays, and physical therapy the physical therapy just made it worse.
Tue, 29 Dec 2015
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Spinal tap is done from the area where the spinal cord ends. It does not cause any damage to the spinal cord. However in your case it is important to see the MRI scan and be sure to put the needle in the right location. You can discuss the location and double confirm that he has seen through your MRI scan and is well informed about your spine curve. This will make sure there is no mistake when putting the needle inside.

The MRI findings will help insert the needle with minimum pain and complications and take out the spinal fluid. Some people have slight headache after the procedure which improves in a day and by the end ow a week they feel completely normal. Please avoid stress and heavy physical activity after the spinal tap and inform the doctor of any worsening headache. Fluids can be taken as instructed and take care when you need to move around because you have already hit your head once. Please do not worry.
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Is Spinal Tap Advisable For A Person With Curved Spinal Cord?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Spinal tap is done from the area where the spinal cord ends. It does not cause any damage to the spinal cord. However in your case it is important to see the MRI scan and be sure to put the needle in the right location. You can discuss the location and double confirm that he has seen through your MRI scan and is well informed about your spine curve. This will make sure there is no mistake when putting the needle inside. The MRI findings will help insert the needle with minimum pain and complications and take out the spinal fluid. Some people have slight headache after the procedure which improves in a day and by the end ow a week they feel completely normal. Please avoid stress and heavy physical activity after the spinal tap and inform the doctor of any worsening headache. Fluids can be taken as instructed and take care when you need to move around because you have already hit your head once. Please do not worry.