10 Side Effects of Spinal Taps
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Side Effect #4: Bleeding into the Spinal Canal
Bleeding into the spinal canal is rare. It can be categorized based on the etiology (nontraumatic or traumatic) or the compartment into which the bleeding occurs (intramedullary, subarachnoid, subdural, epidural). It is most commonly caused by trauma, bleeding diatheses, or vascular malformations. It usually presents as a sudden and painful myelopathy.
While rare, a spinal tap can cause bleeding that results in a spinal hematoma. This usually only occurs if there is preexisting coagulopathy. In these cases, neurosurgical intervention may be beneficial if it leads to further complications such as cauda equina syndrome.
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