Exact Answer: For up to 48 hours after the procedure if possible
Lumbar puncture, otherwise called “spinal tap” is a procedure that collects cerebrospinal fluid by inserting a needle for diagnostic testing. This procedure is done to diagnose complications in the central nervous system, such as the brain and spine. Cerebrospinal fluid, otherwise called CBF acts as a cushion to protect the brain and spinal cord from injury. If you are someone that bleeds easily or if you have an infection in the area that is meant for surgery, the lumbar puncture will not be performed. There are certain precautions to be taken before and after the surgery, one of which is to lay flat after the surgery. The reasons for which will be discussed in this article.
How Long Do I Lay Flat After Lumbar Puncture?
You are supposed to take a rest for 30 minutes after the surgery in the same position. The rest is essential for your healing process. Even after a period of 30 minutes, you do not have the liberty to get up from the bed until your doctor allows you to. After you reach home, you will be asked to lie down in a flat position at least for two days because heavy movements or just any movement, in general, can increase your headache.
| How Long After Surgery do you Lay Flat? | How much it reduces your Headache? |
| 3 to 4 hours after surgery | Reduces up to 0.5% to 36% headache |
| 2 days after surgery | Up to 90% of the headache |
Just like there are precautions that you should take care of after the surgery, there are some you to take before. You should not eat or drink anything 3 hours before the surgery. If you are someone that has diabetes or any other major health complications, it is your duty to keep your doctor well informed about it. You will be asked to drink caffeine such as coffee and tea once every four hours as it is seen as a cure to the surgery. The more you lay flat, the better will be your healing process.
Why Should I Lay Flat for So Long After Lumbar Puncture?
One of the major reasons, doctors suggest you lay flat after the surgery is that, it helps in preventing headaches. Headaches are one of the most common after-effects of lumbar puncture. Around 25% of the patients get a headache after the surgery. This is caused due to the leakage in the tissues nearby. The only risks after a lumbar puncture surgery are the headaches that come with it. Otherwise, the surgery is said to be completely safe and harmless.
After surgery, there is a leakage of the cerebrospinal liquid which is resulted from the delayed closure which leads to a decrease in the pressure of the cerebrospinal liquid. Sleeping in a prone position helps to prevent leakage and fastens the process of healing.
Asking you to lay flat is one of the common advice given by doctors. Other advices include asking you to increase the number of liquids you intake. Drinking more liquids reduces the chances of you getting a severe headache. Liquids are seen as a replacement to the cerebrospinal liquid that is taken out during the surgery. If there is a reduction in this fluid, there is an increased chance of getting a headache. Liquids such as water balance out the reduction of CBF.
After your surgery, you will be instructed to limit your activities for a period of 24 hours. If your headache still remains after that time or if you feel uncomfortable if you sleep in other positions, you are asked to reach out to your healthcare supporter.
Conclusion
Since a lumbar puncture involves your spinal cord, you should take more care than what you do normally. Make sure you do not do any vigorous exercises after the surgery. You should take a rest for a good enough time to make sure you heal properly. If you are someone that takes alcohol on a regular basis talk to your doctor about the restrictions. You should also keep a check on the other foods that you consume. If you follow the instructions given by your doctor precisely, a lumbar puncture will not be something that you need to worry about.
References
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-012-6413-x
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4113153/
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This surgical procedure sounds very complicated and quite daunting to heal from.
I thought the same, but the article explains the healing process in great detail.
It’s really important to be aware of these factors post-surgery. The article is very detailed and informative.
It is, it gives a good understanding of what to expect and how to act accordingly.
Exactly, it provides a great guide for recovery and wellbeing.
A very well-explained article, the advice given is very practical and insightful.
Definitely, I appreciate the emphasis on post-surgery care.
Yes, the doctor’s advice on laying down and increasing liquid intake is valuable.
I feel more prepared if the need for this procedure ever arises. Great article.
Absolutely, it paints a clear picture of what to expect.
The cause of headaches post-surgery was well-explained here, gave me a good understanding.
Yes, understanding the cause and ways to reduce it are essential.
Very insightful and helpful. A great resource for anyone going through this or preparing for it.
I couldn’t agree more, a well presented and informative piece.
Great information provided, a must read for anyone who’s had the surgery or thinking of taking it.
Very well-researched article, the references cited show the authenticity of the content.
I agree, this is a very informative read.
It’s alarming to know that headaches are a common post-surgery effect for this. Nonetheless, this is valuable information.
Yes, understanding the cause and precautions to take is crucial.
I had no idea the importance of laying flat after the procedure, eye-opening.
Same, the benefits of laying flat are highlighted really well in the article.