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May 23, 2013
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Spinal Tap (cont.)

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Next Steps

  • Depending on the reason for the spinal tap, you might be admitted to the hospital or asked to follow up with your doctor.
  • If the tap is performed in the emergency department, the some of the results are typically given to you at the time of the visit while others often are not available for 24-48 hours.
  • If the spinal tap is performed in a doctor's office, then a follow-up telephone call may be suggested, or a follow-up appointment may be scheduled to discuss the results of the tests, especially if specialized testing is ordered.

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Spinal Tap - Causes

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What was the cause of you needing a spinal tap?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Lumbar Puncture (CSF Examination) »

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was first examined in the 19th century using primitive techniques (eg, sharpened bird quills).

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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