10 Side Effects of Spinal Taps
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Side Effect #3: Paresthesia
Paresthesia refers to the abnormal sensation in the skin despite no apparent physical cause. This sensation has been reported by patients to be a burning, tingling, prickling, or numbing sensation. The most common kind of paresthesia is often described as pins and needles or the sensation where a limb falls asleep. Paresthesia can be temporary or chronic. Generally painless, it usually occurs in the extremities.
There are many causes of paresthesia such as being in an awkward posture for a prolonged duration, reactive hyperemia, shingles, hypothyroidism, and diseases that cause nerve irritation. In a spinal tap, temporary paresthesia is a side effect, which often affects the lower back and legs.
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