Failed Lumbar Puncture Problems need help
My 24 year old female fiance is currently in the hospital and is suspected of having MS. Today, a doctor attempted a lumbar puncture that was unsuccessful. She actually inserted the needle into approximately five different locations. My fiance immediately complained of severe pain throughout her back and the doctor told her "No, it doesn't hurt" even though my girlfriend was crying and I could hear her screaming down the hall. She rated the pain a 10 out of 10 and was later given two regular strength tylenol and nothing else for pain. She temporarily lost all feeling and movement in her feet, had shooting pains in her legs and chest, and minutes later passed out. She has a high tolerance of pain as she has fibromyalgia and migraines, so this pain was extreme for her to rate it that high. Currently ten hours later she still has excruciating pain in her back, left side, and both legs. As I said, the doctor informed us they were unable to complete the lumbar puncture and will try again tomorrow. Is this a normal side effect? Nothing I can find online explains the severe back pain for an unsuccessful lp, nor the temporary loss of consciousness. Any help, advice, or response from anyone would be greatly appreciated as the doctor here will not come back to talk to us. Thank you so much.
Answers:
Thanks for your question. What you describe is not a common effect - I have not encountered such severe symptoms during lumbar puncture. While lumbar puncture is usually quite easy and not a painful procedure, it can be difficult sometimes. Some back pain is often experienced by the patient during the procedure. The needle may also irritate the nerves, resulting in transient radiating pain to the leg, often described as electic-shock like sensation by the patients. This eases within seconds after the needle is removed. Some pain may persist for a few hours. Some patients may experience these symptoms more severely, but the symptoms will practically always resolve with time. If there is progressive loss of feeling/movement, the possibility of the very rare complication of epidural hematoma (bleeding) is considered and an MRI may be needed. If the symptoms persist, discuss them with her doctors - they'll know what to do.
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