Spinal Tap for Treating Headaches
Who needs it. Your doctor may perform a lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap, if your headaches come with fever and a very stiff neck. The lumbar puncture helps rule out meningitis or other types of infection. It also rules out a subarachnoid hemorrhage, low cerebral spinal fluid pressure, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
How it is done. A doctor performs a lumbar puncture by placing a needle into the spinal cord and withdrawing spinal fluid. The procedure can be painful. After the procedure, you will be asked to lie flat so you don't get a headache.