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Updated: Dec 25, 2025
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain PPOP
Published on: January 27, 2010
A protocol to reduce self-reported pain scores and adverse events following lumbar punctures in older adults
Chloe K Nobuhara1, W Michael Bullock1, Thomas Bunning1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke South Orange Zone, Rm 4317, Box 3094, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
Objective:
Lumbar punctures (LPs) are important for obtaining CSF in neurology studies but are associated with adverse events and feared by many patients. We determined adverse event rates and pain scores in patients prospectively enrolled in two cohort studies who underwent LPs using a standardized protocol and 25 g needle.
Methods:
Eight hundred and nine LPs performed in 262 patients age ≥ 60 years in the MADCO-PC and INTUIT studies were analyzed. Medical records were monitored for LP-related adverse events, and patients were queried about subjective complaints. We analyzed adverse event rates, including headaches and pain scores.
Results:
There were 22 adverse events among 809 LPs performed, a rate of 2.72% (95% CI 1.71-4.09%). Patient hospital stay did not increase due to adverse events. Four patients (0.49%) developed a post-lumbar puncture headache (PLPH). Twelve patients (1.48%) developed nausea, vasovagal responses, or headaches that did not meet PLPH criteria. Six patients (0.74%) reported lower back pain at the LP site not associated with muscular weakness or paresthesia. The median pain score was 1 [0, 3]; the mode was 0 out of 10.
Conclusions:
The LP protocol described herein may reduce adverse event rates and improve patient comfort in future studies.
