How long should I get relief after a lp? I felt great for five days and now I feel like @#$%! again. So sick of this.
- Find
- Manage
- Resources
Q: If my opening pressure during a lp was 28 and last one was 34 does that mean I am getting better?
Answers (2)
4/24/09 2:36pm
Janelle,
The "normal" opening pressure is 10 - 20. However, "normal" doesn't necessarily fit everyone. Often, if the opening pressure seems high, the doctor will draw off enough fluid to get it into that normal range, then try to assess what's right for the patient based on how they feel at the lower pressure.
Have you actually been diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension? You can read more about it in Pseudotumor Cerebri (IIH) - The Basics.
When cerebrospinal fluid pressure is too high, it is usually not managed with repeat lumbar punctures because the fluid will build back up over a period of about two to three months. Usually, fluid is drawn off to put the pressure into normal range, then medication is prescribed to maintain that level. If medications fail, a shunt can be placed.
Hope this helps,
Teri
4/22/09 3:53pm
I have IIH. As I understand it the lower the number the better the pressure. I have LPs and sometimes lose relief as soon as a couple of days. Your body manufactures CSF naturally and will replace itself so your pressure is probably back up. Has your doctor said you have IIH? What meds are you on?
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
By Janelle Eichler— Last Modified: 03/17/11, First Published: 04/22/09
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hi! Not sure if this chat is still open,but i'll give it a shot!
My son is 6 years old (skinny lil fellow) and he has just had an LP last friday. he is still feeling sick from it 7 days later. His opening pressure was 40. Is this slightly high, moderatly, or extremly high?
He has swollen optic nerves for about a year now. He was given an MRI, MRV & bloodwork & all were normal. The LP is the 1st to show something abnormal. The nurse explained it as "increased spinal fluid pressure" and they will be putting him on Diomax. He has an appt with the neurologist next wednesday. Do you have any suggestions for questions i should be asking? At what point do they reccomend a shunt? Will he have to go for repeat LP's to monitor the pressure? Any insight you can give is appreciated! Thank You, Denise