Spinal taps, formally known as lumbar punctures, are a routine procedure where a doctor inserts a needle in the lower spin in order to get a cerebrospinal fluid sample. This can be examined and analyzed for diseases such as multiple sclerosis, meningitis, even some cancers, along with the ability to gather information on possible brain bleeding and inflammatory conditions within the nervous system like Guillain-Barre syndrome. It is a very common procedure, but there are complications that can occur, happening mostly when a doctor is negligent in performing the spinal tap.
Headaches following the procedure are a common indicator that the procedure was done incorrectly. They happen when there is a leak of cerebrospinal fluid in the nearby tissue. Any pain in the pack or back of the legs is another sign of a poorly done spinal tap. If you have bleeding in the spot of the puncture or epidural space is also considered a complication and can be very painful.
A much more serious complication is brainstem herniation, caused by pressure in the skull and moving the brain tissues. This can lead to paralysis and can cause patients to end up in a coma in severe cases. Essentially, the brainstem is compressed, compromising a patient’s health and safety.
Again, this is a very common procedure but can sometimes go wrong due to medical malpractice. If you have experienced a complication after a spinal tap, a car accident attorney in Florida and chiropractor James Piccolino may be able to help. Visit James Piccolino Law, P.A. online to get started with fighting negligence in your case.
