When to Seek Medical Care

You should contact your doctor if any of the following occur:

• Infection

• Rarely, infection at the site where the needle was inserted may occur.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, or pus from the site.

• Headache

• Headaches can occur after a spinal tap and occasionally may be severe.
  
  
• If this occurs, you should contact your doctor.

Any signs or symptoms of infection or severe headache should prompt immediate attention from your doctor. If you are unable to reach your doctor, then you should seek immediate attention from your local emergency department.