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What is the normal range of spinal tap opening pressure?

Are there variations with different patient populations?
3 Answers
Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Neurology · University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Answered on

Normal range is variable based upon supine versus sitting up, diurnal variations, etc., but the most important thing is what is considered "Low" and "High".

For any patient, despite of age and BMI, supine opening pressure above 250 mm of water is considered high, and <6 mm of water is considered low...

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Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Neurology · URMC Neurology
Answered on

Although 250 mm is considered the upper limit of normal, this is often dependent on the body habitus and position of the patient. In someone with a BMI >40, OP may be up to 265 mm and come down somewhat when the legs are extended. Unfortunately, this variability is challenging because these are the ...

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Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Neurology · Piedmont HealthCare
Answered on

I agree with the above ratings. However, I also like to highlight those that have the usual symptoms and signs including intractable headache, +/- papilledema, and experience immediate relief of their headaches post-LP. However, the headaches will build up back to where they were pre-LP a few days l...

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