Post-Lumbar Puncture Concerns
Greetings! I'm a 17-year-old female, measuring 5'4" and weighing 135 pounds, dealing with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. About four to five months ago, I underwent a lumbar puncture to assess the possibility of having IIH. Initially, I experienced no unusual side effects. However, as time has passed, I continue to encounter persistent discomfort, including lower back pain and stiffness, coupled with a strange feeling as if my spine is being "pulled". Additionally, I've noticed a bump at the site where the needle was inserted. These issues have impacted my ability to navigate school and maintain concentration on certain days. While these symptoms fluctuate, they can endure for several days at a time. Interestingly, my mother has undergone numerous lumbar punctures without experiencing similar complications. I haven't reached out to my neurologist yet, and my primary care physician mentioned she wouldn't provide feedback since the procedure was performed elsewhere. Is it common to experience these symptoms? They aren't severe but often leave me feeling much older than I am due to the back discomfort. I appreciate you taking the time to read my post!
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 4:10:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns about ongoing discomfort following a lumbar puncture, especially when it impacts your daily activities and concentration. The symptoms you're experiencing, including lower back pain, stiffness, and a localized bump at the needle site, can occur after the procedure and may indicate some form of irritation or localized reaction.
Explanation:
Post-lumbar puncture symptoms can vary widely among individuals. It's not uncommon to experience some discomfort at the site due to the needle's intervention in the spinal area. The bump you're feeling might be a localized reaction or a minor hematoma (a collection of blood), which may resolve over time. However, any persistent or changing symptoms should be monitored, especially since they can affect your ability to focus on schoolwork.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of how often the discomfort occurs, its intensity, and any specific activities that worsen it. This information will be helpful for any healthcare consultations.
-
Apply Gentle Care: Consider applying a cold compress to the area intermittently to alleviate discomfort. Also, ensure you maintain good posture while sitting or standing, which might help reduce strain on your back.
-
Engage in Light Activity: If you can, try to incorporate gentle stretching or low-impact exercises to keep your back flexible and promote circulation. This helps with stiffness and can improve overall comfort.
-
Seek Medical Advice: While you mentioned concerns about reaching out to your neurologist, I encourage you to do so, especially since your symptoms have been persistent. They can evaluate whether your symptoms are typical or if any further assessment is necessary.
-
Consider Communication with Your Primary Care Physician: If you feel comfortable, request a referral to another specialist if needed, or ask if they can assist with managing your symptoms. Your well-being should always be a priority, regardless of the initial treatment location.
Taking these steps can provide some relief and help you find clarity on your next actions. You're not alone in this, and it's important to advocate for your health! Let me know if you have further questions or need additional guidance.
Related Questions
Experiencing Medical Adhesive for the First Time
I apologize for the awkwardness of this message, as I’m typing with my non-dominant hand. I'm a young woman, and an incident occurred while I was drinking. To keep it brief, I managed to accidentally slice the tip of my thumb off about two hours ago. Thankfully, it wasn’t an extensive injury, but enough to cause bleeding that lasted for roughly 30 minutes, even with pressure applied and my hand elevated. (For context, the cut extends a few millimeters deep, penetrating beyond just the surface layer of skin.) Following the accident, I visited the hospital where they applied medical glue, wrapped it up, and discharged me. As I was leaving, I began experiencing some pain, which persists. Upon returning home, I noticed some blood on the gauze covering the injury, which appeared roughly an hour after I got back. Is this typical? The hospital did not provide any pain relief, which I’m not overly concerned about since it is only my finger, but my tendency to be a bit of a hypochondriac is making me anxious. This is my first experience with such an injury. What’s the recommended method for cleaning it once I change the dressing? Thanks in advance!
Injury from a Fall
A 44-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 2 inches and weighing 111 pounds, has no pre-existing medical conditions. Recently, I experienced a mishap two days ago while wearing platform crocs that led to a fall on a tiled surface. In my instinctive reaction, I landed on my palm. Although I can still move and utilize my hand as usual, I’ve noticed significant swelling and considerable pain in the soft area just below the thumb joint. Moreover, when I apply pressure to this spot, I experience a sharp, pinching sensation radiating up my arm. On several occasions, my thumb has also felt momentarily numb but returns to its normal state shortly thereafter. Should I simply allow more time for recovery? I’d prefer to avoid wasting anyone's time if all that’s required is a few days of rest. I appreciate your assistance!
Seeking Guidance on Long-Term Shoulder Muscle Loss After Dislocation
I am a 25-year-old male, and five years ago, I experienced a dislocation of my left shoulder. While the joint has healed well and I have regained a good range of motion, the muscle in my shoulder has not recovered. There is a noticeable difference in muscle mass when compared to my right shoulder. Additionally, I have lost sensation in the area where the muscle has atrophied. When I touch that spot, I feel almost nothing at all. I recall being informed that sensation might return within six months to two years, but unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. In the gym, I've also realized that my left shoulder functions improperly during workouts. While performing chest and shoulder exercises, it seems as though my triceps compensate excessively, rather than the shoulder muscle engaging as it should. This leads to a very frustrating and unbalanced training experience. At this juncture, I’m concerned that the issue may stem from lasting nerve damage caused by the dislocation. I’m curious whether it’s still feasible to rebuild the muscle or regain sensation after such a lengthy period, or if this condition is likely permanent. Have others found themselves in similar situations years later, and did they manage to make any progress or uncover the root cause of their issues? I’m not seeking a diagnosis; I simply wish to understand if the muscle damage is irreversible or if there remains a possible pathway to recovery. What steps should I consider taking next? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights regarding my situation. Thank you!
Urinary Retention and Lower Back Discomfort
A 38-year-old male weighing 237 pounds has been experiencing urinary issues over the past five days, noting significantly reduced urine output with a very feeble flow—occasionally just a dribble. Yesterday, he began feeling discomfort in his flank region, near where he suspects his kidney is located. Today, that discomfort continued but intensified. He sought help at a prompt care facility where a urinalysis was conducted, revealing no abnormalities. The medical advice he received was to increase his fluid intake. While at the facility, he began to experience severe pain in the lower part of his back, right in the center, making bending a challenge. Currently, he is applying ice to the affected area; however, it's uncomfortable for him to lie down or stand. He wonders if the urinary issues and the back pain are connected and is reluctant to visit the emergency room due to financial concerns. Additionally, he recalls a couple of relevant incidents: last Saturday marked the first time he had gone roller skating in many years, during which he noticed some discomfort in the perineum. He has also been dealing with a cyst in his pubic region for a month, which is gradually improving.
Understanding Injuries: Distinguishing Between Tibial Stress Fracture and Anterior Tibial Tendonitis
Recently, I've ramped up my workout regimen significantly since early December, but I keep facing setbacks with injuries. During December, my routine involved daily outdoor walks and a brief incline walking session, complemented by 30 to 45 minutes of exercise. I noticed a bony protrusion appeared at the back of my right heel, and a similar one started to develop on my left heel as well. When I returned home over the holiday break, my mom arranged for me to see a podiatrist, who diagnosed the right heel bump as a pump bump. On the other hand, the left heel had become a source of greater discomfort and noticeable swelling, to the extent that my Achilles tendon was not visible. The diagnosis for that was Achilles tendonitis. The podiatrist recommended a change of footwear, a steroid treatment plan, anti-inflammatory medications, and a course of physical therapy lasting 4 to 6 weeks. Upon returning to college and anticipating starting physical therapy, I noticed improvements in my ankle discomfort with the new shoes. As a result, I delayed my therapy sessions and resumed a more regular workout routine. Since then, I have been free from significant pain, and both heels are feeling better. My regimen over the last two to three weeks involves about an hour of strength training followed by a two-hour treadmill session—beginning with an incline of 10 at a speed of 3.5, progressively lowering the incline and raising the speed every 10 to 12 minutes. During this treadmill time, I generally study, so I remain engaged. On days when I don’t use the treadmill, I aim to walk several miles outdoors, taking advantage of the hilly terrain on my campus. Sundays serve as my primary rest day, but I still try to complete my fitness rings and take longer walks. Just this past Sunday, I undertook a 10-mile walk that lasted around 2.5 hours, and I noticed the following day that I had discomfort in my right shin. Initially, I assumed it was shin splints and continued my usual activities throughout the week. However, by yesterday, I recognized that the pain was persistent and not improving. Upon closer examination, it seemed like it wasn’t typical shin splint pain; instead, I have localized pain the size of a quarter on the front area of my shin that is tender to the touch and during movement. Mornings tend to be slightly better, but the pain worsens at night after a day spent on my feet. Routine activities aggravate it, and when I walk, it feels akin to a hammer striking my shin. Moreover, if I walk normally and push off with my toes at the end of my stride, a sharp pain radiates up my shin. I have also noted moments where my gait has altered slightly, and I’ve started limping without realizing it, though I can correct my stride when I concentrate. The most discomfort was felt last night after I returned home to my apartment. While lying on my stomach with my legs hanging off the bed, I could still sense the pain even without any movement. Although the pain escalates with weight-bearing activities or when walking, I also experience pain if I sit down with my feet flat and then lift my leg. Driving is particularly challenging as switching between pedals causes significant discomfort. In trying to pinpoint the issue online, I found that my symptoms seemed more closely aligned with a stress fracture rather than the shin splints I initially presumed. I read concerning accounts of stress fractures evolving into full breaks and potentially leading to longer recovery times. Not wanting to prolong my downtime unnecessarily, I decided to visit urgent care today for a professional evaluation. They conducted x-rays but found no visible abnormalities. The doctor performed a few movements and suspects I might have anterior tibial tendonitis, as there was some crepitus noted. However, fears of a stress fracture still linger. This pain feels distinct from the previous Achilles tendonitis; whereas that felt like a stretching tension, this current sensation resembles a hammer striking my leg when I walk. In contrast, I experience a pulling feeling only when rotating my ankle without weight. I'm uncertain if this all articulates my situation clearly, but I am planning to attend physical therapy soon and will limit incline walking for the time being. Still, I am left wondering if my concerns about a potential stress fracture are warranted, or if this seems more characteristic of tendonitis?