Re: does spinal tap aggravate chiari

[Guest guest]

<< I was wondering if a spinal tap will aggravate my sons chiari. He's

not had any surgeries. In fact, we only found out a few weeks ago

what he even has! He already has enough problems that I don't want

them to get any worse. I realize they have to find out about the

pressure going on but I don't want them to make things any worse.

>>

In my opinion I would approach em with caution in folks who have not been

decompressed . CINE MRI can very often provide very good immages to gauge the

degree of oclusion without being invasive ...very high presure is evident on

normal MRI's reflected by enlarged ventricles * and or eye exam ect .

In theory a lumbar tap could agrivate an acm ...if csf is drawn off quickly

or a leak should develope his acm symtpoms may increase signifigantly .

Pubmed has a few articles related to lp problems including aquired acm .

Arnold chiari malformation ( 2) that is spinal bifida related is a different

hidden pitfall too ...xrays /MRI's and florascopy are all precautions you'd

want to consider .

An experienced acm specialist will know and take precautions when feeling a

lumbar tap predecompresion is needed ...using a small bore needle to draw csf

off more slowly , and observation of the patient for any signs there is a

leek or increase in symtpoms was recomended to me ...from 24 hours to 48 post

tap.

The risks are reduced once someone has been decompressed . My ms doctor

wanted csf before decompresion ...my neurosurgeon and I decided since he felt

surgery would help ...he could more safely get the sample then ...made sense

to me .

I've now had two taps since surgery three years ago ( I have multiple

sclerosis too ) ...the physicians at asap gave me great guidance on what

precautions to consider (and insist on ) ...my ms neuro at that time thought

acm causes no symtpoms ...(I've switched now to someone with a bit broader

grasp on my collective problems ) .

Thought I'd add that other than strong jolts of electric zapping a couple

times during em ...they haven't been very uncomfortable . Having them done by

anesthesiology Dr's with florascopy so they can see where they are going has

eased my fears too .

in Paradise

[Guest guest]

> I was wondering if a spinal tap will aggravate my sons chiari.

Hi ,

The truth is- yes it could, but in most cases it doesn't.

A properly performed lumbar puncture (or " spinal tap " ) is usually safe for a

person with a chiari malformation.

Chip

5+ years post-op and doing great !

http://www.pressenter.com/~chip/chiari.htm