Is bed rest useful after diagnostic lumbar puncture?
A randomized study of 110 patients undergoing their first diagnostic lumbar puncture was performed to compare the effect of immediate mobilization with 4 hours bed rest on the incidence of post lumbar puncture headache. There was no difference between the mobile (n = 54) and bed rest (n = 56) groups in the incidence of post lumbar puncture headache (32% versus 31%, respectively). We conclude that bed rest following lumbar puncture may be an unnecessary imposition on the patient, as well as on nursing staff.
Spriggs
D A
DA
Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Burn
D J
DJ
French
J
J
Cartlidge
N E
NE
Bates
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001510:Bed Rest; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects*