Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 8/20/2009

Question
I have been recently diagnost with Lyme Disease and Fibromyalgia. The doctors aren't sure whne I got the Lyme disease but I fell it's been almost four years because that's when my symptoms started and I had a bug bit that looked like a tick. I was only treated recently for the Lyme so I feel that I am at the second stage which I read can turn into bacterial meningitis. I spoke with my doctor and now I have to go for a spinal tap. My questions is, who performs this? Should I only have a neurologist do it? He said something about the radiologist, which seemed strange. How painful is it? I have a huge phobia of needles, can they put me to sleep first? I know I am going to cry, scream and move around, so what can they do to calm me down that's safe? Thanks

Answer
It is not strange for a radiologist to do it. By doing it under direct vision (x-ray) they can use a smaller needle and it is more certain. Neurologists can do it also but they tend to use a large needle. It is not painful at all (I had one myself) and they do give local so you shouldn't feel anything but some pressure ( and since they do it from behind, you won't see the needle). They cannot put you to sleep for it (the whole procedure take less than 5 minutes.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston