Dr. Lynn Cates
Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.
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 Ask Dr. Cates
Spinal Tap on a Baby | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Cates,
My baby (two months old) just had to have a spinal done due to a 103 temp. Is this the common procedure for a high fever in babies under three months? I was urged to do this by both my doctors so I went along with it. I am still wondering, though, if I really did the right thing . . .
— Anna in Ohio | | | ANSWER |
November 13, 2000 | | | Dear Anna,
I think you made the right decision when you let the doctors proceed with a spinal tap on your baby, even though I know it must have been frightening for you. It's very hard for parents to learn about spinal taps for the first time when they already are worried that their baby is sick. To compound the problem, if you took your baby to an emergency room, you were probably hearing the recommendation for a spinal tap from a healthcare provider you had never met before.
Spinal taps often are performed in young infants with high fevers, and, as I am sure you saw for yourself, infants tolerate this procedure very well. I have had a spinal tap myself, and the needlestick in my back was no more painful than a needlestick in my arm for having blood drawn.
Spinal taps are important because they may provide the only evidence of a very serious disease called bacterial meningitis, or infection of the lining of the brain (the meninges--pronounced men-in-geez). Prompt antibiotic therapy is needed for this condition because it is a medical emergency. It can cause hearing problems and brain damage, and it can even be fatal. Whereas older infants and children usually exhibit symptoms of meningitis that are revealed during a doctor's examination, young infants may show no indication other than fever. It is important to point out that if anyone, of any age, is suspected of having meningitis, a spinal tap is needed to confirm the diagnosis and guide antibiotic therapy, since different kinds of bacteria can cause this disease.
Spinal taps are less likely to be needed after infants are two to three months of age. However, they may be indicated at any age if there is a possibility of a brain infection like meningitis. The risks of a spinal tap are minimal compared to the risk of not treating a serious brain infection, so if a qualified healthcare provider suggests a spinal tap is indicated, it usually is a good idea to proceed.— by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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