Assessment of the Incidence of Complications among Patients Undergoing Lumbar Puncture

Introduction: Lumbar puncture is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure performed by inserting a needle into the subarachnoid space to collect cerebrospinal fluid. Though generally considered safe, Lumbar puncture carries risks of complications such as headache, back pain, and in rare cases, cerebral herniation. Proper patient knowledge and informed consent are essential to reduce these risks and improve patient outcomes. Aim: This study aims to assess the incidence of complications among patients undergoing lumbar puncture. Design: A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at Zagazig University Hospital in the departments of general surgery, urology, orthopedics, and intensive care unit. Subjects: A purposive sample of 70 patients who had undergone lumbar puncture and agreed to participate was included. Tools: Data were collected using an Patients structured interview questionnaire that assessed Patient personal characteristics, medical history, knowledge of Lumbar puncture, and post-procedural complications. Results: The results indicated that 61.4% of the patients had unsatisfactory knowledge regarding lumbar puncture. Complications were prevalent, with 70% who reporting post-lumbar puncture headaches and 84.3% reported back pain. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate a significant gap in knowledge regarding lumbar puncture among patients, and the complication assessment revealed that majority of patients experienced post-procedure complications issues including headache and back pain. The study also highlighted significant relationships between patients’ demographics characteristics and knowledge and experience of post-lumbar puncture headache. Recommendations: Develop educational materials to inform patients about lumbar puncture and its risks. Implement standardized post-procedure care protocols.