HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

How Long Does Recovery From Lumbar Puncture Take?

Posted on Mon, 2 May 2016

Question: how long does it normally take to recover from dural puncture ? I have been left to leek for a week then went to hospital and stayed there for a week where they infused me with fluids for a week then went home and am better now but still feeling heaviness in my head and I get my headaches from time to time very severe

will I ever be back to my normal activity and life ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Improvement is possible.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Headaches are a relatively common complication after lumbar puncture and are mainly related to cerebrospinal fluid leakage outside spinal cord at the site of punction.

These headaches may be mild to moderate and subside after days or few weeks, but in some cases can last longer.

Since you are feeling better, it means you are in the right way toward recovery and, yes, you will be back to your normal activity soon.

It is necessary for following up periodically with your treating Doctor, and sufficient fluid intake during recovery period.

Rest and paracetamol for headaches also is necessary.

In case the headaches worsen, a brain MRI is needed also to evaluate rare complications of the lumbar puncture such subdural hematoma, besides spinal cord MRI that didn't show any cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

If no improvement after about one month after lumbar puncture, treatment with epidural blood patch for example may be needed.

You should discuss with your treating Doctor about these issues.

hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (33 minutes later)

Thank you ,yes I was diagnoized by this subdural hematoma and did a brain MRI attaching the report for it also the last MRI shows that there is no leakage anymore for CSF

yesterday I was fine and all of the sudden I was attached by severe headache again and had to take voltaren as a Panadol didn't solve it ,is that normal ?

am keeping my fluids always in hands

My neuro said I can resume my life but am not feeling well to do that ,do u recommend I keep resting ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Epidural blood patch to be considered.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

According to MRI report you uploaded there is no subdural hematoma,and this is a positive result about recovering.

However, there are findings consistent with intracranial hypotension, or lowering of cerebrospinal pressure probably due to overdrainage, that explains your symptoms.

In this case, epidural blood patch is a good alternative to improve your condition.

In my opinion, you can assume your life, but gradually, one thing at a time.

If you feel at some point you cannot function normally, consider treatment, besides rest and fluids intake.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (37 minutes later)

Thanks how long do you believe it can take to get back to normal without blood patch ?

Also what can trigger this intracranila hypotension again ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
About two months, but no exact time limits.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again XXXXXXX

I think about two months are sufficient time to recover.

Things that can worsen intracranial hypotension include dehydration, alcohol use, fatigue, hot places, excessive sweating, diarrhea, etc.

Hope this helps.

Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Hello Doctor sorry but what does this intracranial hypotension exactly affects on the short and long terms ? And what is the defiatntion ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Negative pressure within brain cavity.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again XXXXXXX

By definition, intracranial hypotension is a condition characterized by negative pressure within the brain cavity.

It can alter brain normal functioning by displacement of brain structures, causing headaches, imbalance, vision problems etc.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (9 minutes later)

And those are short term? Meaning it doesnt have a long term effect if treated correctly?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If treated correctly, results are excellent.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXXXXX and thanks for being on follow up.

If intracranial hypotension is diagnosed and treated correctly (mainly by epidural blood patch), results are excellent and no symptoms are seen in long term meaning.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (16 minutes later)

Thank you much for your feedback

I have been adviced that since leakage stopped i dint need blood patch is that ok ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It may prolong recovery period.

Detailed Answer:
It could be okay, but it can prolong recovery period.

Pachimeningeal enhancement in MRI may indicate overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid that causes intracranial hypotension too, not leakage.

This condition too is treated by epidural blood patch.

Discuss with your treating Doctor about these issues too.

Greetings.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee