1. Men's Screening Tests Slideshow
2. Women's Screening Tests Slideshow

Medical Author:

Scott D. Fell, DO, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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

• Infection
• Rarely, an infection may develop 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.

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