lumber puncture

[zebradebra]

DD 14MONTHS has to have an LP this week. We are on the seemingly long road to a diagnosis. She has a suspected epilepsy syndrome ( dravet??).

Has anyone else been through this with dc?

Would be sooooo greatful for tips, insight etc.

Many thanks in advance

[FancyForgetting]

DD had a LP a couple of years ago, but to investigate another neurological condition, not epilepsy. She was older too (teenager) so the whole thing may be very different.

The procedure was actually not as bad as we expected, she was lightly sedated and I sat and held her hand throughout. I understand that one of the main after-effects can be a severe pressure headache, but that resting horizontally afterwards makes all the difference - that certainly was the case for DD, who stayed on the day-case ward for a couple of hours, then went home to bed. She was fine - no headache. I appreciate that getting such a little one to rest is a very different prospect, but you may want to ask to them about this aspect.

Hopefully someone with more relevant experience will be along soon, but didn't want to read and run. Every good wish to you and your DD - I hope that the procedure helps you get nearer to diagnosis.

[zebradebra]

Many thanks FancyForgetting . I really appreciate your post.

[Chica31]

DD2 had a lumber puncture 4 weeks ago due to suspected menigitis. She was fine and the test came back negative.

DD2 was only 6 months, she cried the whole time, but they had put an anaesthetic cream on her back. The doctors said she was crying more due to the uncomfortable position they had to hold her in. I was surprised how slowly the fluid came out, one little drop at a time. So it did seem to take forever, but that was more due to the emergency situation I am sure.

She was very fussy for a day or two, it is of course difficult to know why. The virus, head ache pain or just the fact we were in hospital.

I am sure your DD will be fine, I hope it helps a diagnosis.

[zebradebra]

Thankyou chica31 I really hope your dd is feeling better.