The use of a non-cutting needle for lumbar punctures could result in fewer adverse effects and lower costs, according to a single centre study in Neurology (2011;77:71-4, doi:10.1212/wnl.0b013e318220abc0). A review of all patients who’d undergone lumbar punctures in one year found that 14% of them subsequently developed headaches, and 3% reported back pain. Rates of headache with non-cutting needles are reported to be 4%. Pre-medication with aspirin may also help.
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