When I had my LP done in March 08, I didn't find the procedure painful at all.

My neurologist had me covered up, a nurse sat in front of me, neuro behind me, and the neuro did a freezing needle first (that barely hurt), then the LP needle was not bad at all. I didn't feel it, the most I felt was a weird tickle sensation down to my tail bone (I actually laughed at the sensation!).

The important things to remember in having the LP completed are, drink lots of caffeine the day before, day of, and wouldn't be a bad idea the day after. The day of the LP, you will need to remain horizontal for hours after the procedure. Your doctor/neuro will be able to best explain this to you. If you are not working that day, strong suggestion to stay in bed for the entire day of the procedure. Getting up to use the washroom and getting right back in bed. If you are up and get a headache feeling, lie down asap. You should be fine!

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