What Causes Neck Pain And Ear Fullness After A Lumbar Puncture?

Posted on Fri, 31 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 31 Jan 2014 Answered on

Wed, 19 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a lumbar puncture with intrathecal XXXXXXX done on Dec 16, 2013 for a possible csf leak. Ever since I have had terrible neck pain and ear fullness (sometimes feels like water in my ears). I try to pop my ears all the time with no relief. What could this be?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: This could be meningeal irritation or infection. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for the query. XXXXXXX used in lumbar puncture can cause meningeal irritation leading to such symptoms. Again since the needle was introduced in closed thecal sac, possibility of meningitis is also likely , particularly in view of neck pain. This should be brought to your doctor's notice without any further delay.Even though it turns out precautionary, I would surely like to rule out possibility of meningitis without delay. Hope this answers your query.Please ask if there are doubts. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad