Spinal Tap

[Susan0541]

Does anyone know if there's an increase risk factor in having a spinal tap done when there is a lesion already in the spinal cord?

Susan

[Quixotic1]

ess is totally correct.  A lesion on the spinal cord would not affect the spinal tap or make it more risky.  I, too, am a great fan of having the tap done by the radiologist under fluoroscopic guidance.

Welcome to our forum!  If you are at the point of having an LP and know you have a lesion in the spine, I gather MS is a possibility for you.  If you have questions, we have a lot of experience and answers here.  I hope you share your story!

Quix

[essdipity]

No, not a problem. A lumbar puncture is done in the lumbar region of the spine. This is below where the spinal cord ends, so there is no possibility of touching the cord. Any MS spinal lesions would be on the cord itself, at the cervical or thoracic level, not near where the needle is inserted.

It's always a good idea to ask that the procedure be done using flouroscopy, so that the doctor can see exactly what he's doing. If I were you I'd find out this in advance, and wouldn't have one done unless flouroscopy is used. A good doctor and a good hospital should be able to accommodate this without a problem.

ess

[Wobbly]

that's a good question...sorry I don't know the answer...maybe we will both get an answer...

andie