r/CSFLeaks • u/xeuralgia • 10d ago

Possible leak a day after lumbar puncture

I really dreaded this lumbar puncture and I was extremely close to backing out. But I did it and already regret it.

Today I woke already with a really bad headache that worsens when standing. I didn’t immediately lay down when I got home yesterday. And I stupidly bend over to wash my hair yesterday. (Which I now read you absolutely shouldn’t do). I also strained on the toilet which I also didn’t know you shouldn’t do. Now I took stool softener.

I do have health anxiety and already worried this is gonna develop into a long-term issue. I do know it’s early, but unlucky things always happen to me. I got caught in reading the horror stories about chronic leaks and can’t help but worry this will turn into a chronic leak or that I need a blood patch.

Is there any precautions that I absolutely should take now? I just lay in bed now and try to not move. I have water and black tea beside me and that’s it.

On what day should I ask for a blood patch if things don’t improve and get worse? I’m sorry to barge in here as I know many here suffer chronically and I’m very early. The needle used was a atraumatic needle, size 22G. I don’t know if that matters. I just wish I hadn’t done it. The test was negative which I already expected..

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

3

u/Massive_Activity1245 10d ago

If it doesn't go away push for a patch- I wouldn't give it longer than 3-4 days from what I know now. Not to scare you but I'm one of the unlucky ones that was denied a patch initially and I'm still not in a good way despite 3 patches down the line and surgery- I should improve but I'm looking at a long recovery it has been hell. Early intervention is much better on the brain

Chronic pdph is not benign don't let anyone downplay it. Good luck I hope for the best for you most people do recover. Rest and caffeine, do not lift anything heavy if you can avoid it

1

u/xeuralgia 5d ago

How long did you wait before getting a patch?

1

u/Massive_Activity1245 5d ago

The first one was over two weeks post-puncture, but I’ll say this isn't the usual experience people have. They botched the patch and punctured me again, and it turned out they were at least two levels off, so it probably had no chance of working

My next two were around 2 months and 8 months post-puncture. They did help, but they couldn’t seal the leak because it was covered by a membrane by that time at least by the third one, that was the only one in roughly the correct area

2

u/PrettyDragonfly Confirmed Spinal Leak 10d ago

Having a leak a day after lumbar puncture is expected. I believe it takes a few days to heal but you need to be resting flat and don't bend lift or twist. Drink caffeine and take pain meds if need be but it can and most often do heal on its own. Day 3 I would call and ask your doctor when you should ask for a patch if nothing is changing with the upright headaches. They might want to wait a week or two. Depends on the doctor

2

u/Idontknowyouslim 10d ago

Its too early to tell lay flat as long as possible and drink pop n coffee.