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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Headache, Diarrhea, Back, Neck And Shoulder Pain After Lumbar Puncture?

I had a lumbar puncture yesterday, and am suffering from the head and neck pain shortly after I sit up or stand. But, I also have been having diarrhea and upset stomach along with weak and painful shoulder and arms and lower back. Should I ride this out, is this a normal reaction, or should I be heading to the ER for some added help? Is diarrhea a common reaction to a LP?
Fri, 28 Nov 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Post lumbar puncture headache is common complication of lumbar puncture. It usually occurs because of loss of CSF pressure and volume during procedure. It is usually associated with neck and some times shoulder pain. It usually last for 2-3 days. Local backache at puncture site is also common finding. In severe cases nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are seen. Best thing to avoid this is to

-Take plenty of fluids.

-Take complete bed rest for at least 2 days, avoid excess motility.

-Tea and coffee help to prevent it.

-If still persist then OTC analgesics like paracetamol will help to control.

As per my opinion you will find improvement with these measures, if headache increase in severity or persist then visit a doctor.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
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What Causes Headache, Diarrhea, Back, Neck And Shoulder Pain After Lumbar Puncture?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM Post lumbar puncture headache is common complication of lumbar puncture. It usually occurs because of loss of CSF pressure and volume during procedure. It is usually associated with neck and some times shoulder pain. It usually last for 2-3 days. Local backache at puncture site is also common finding. In severe cases nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are seen. Best thing to avoid this is to -Take plenty of fluids. -Take complete bed rest for at least 2 days, avoid excess motility. -Tea and coffee help to prevent it. -If still persist then OTC analgesics like paracetamol will help to control. As per my opinion you will find improvement with these measures, if headache increase in severity or persist then visit a doctor. Thanks, hope this helps you.