From the Guidelines
You can undergo a spinal tap while taking aspirin, as therapy with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications alone does not increase the risk of spinal haematoma after LP. According to the UK joint specialist societies guideline on the diagnosis and management of acute meningitis and meningococcal sepsis in immunocompetent adults 1, there is no need to delay the lumbar puncture (LP) in patients who are taking aspirin. This is because aspirin's antiplatelet effects do not significantly increase the risk of bleeding complications during and after the procedure.
Some key points to consider when performing a spinal tap include:
- The risk of spinal haematoma is increased in patients with abnormal clotting, but this is not a concern for patients taking aspirin alone 1.
- Patients on warfarin or other anticoagulants may need to have their medication managed before undergoing a spinal tap, but this is not the case for aspirin 1.
- The decision to perform a spinal tap should be based on the individual patient's risk factors and the potential benefits of the procedure, rather than their use of aspirin alone 1.
It's essential to follow the guidance of a healthcare provider when considering a spinal tap, especially if you're taking any medications that may affect bleeding or clotting. However, based on the current evidence, aspirin use is not a contraindication for spinal tap 1.
From the Research
Spinal Tap on Aspirin
- The decision to perform a spinal tap on a patient taking aspirin depends on various factors, including the patient's medical history and the reason for the spinal tap 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have shown that continuing low-dose aspirin therapy during the perioperative period for spinal surgery may not increase the risk of bleeding or bleeding-related complications 3, 4, 5.
- However, other studies suggest that stopping low-dose aspirin 7-10 days prior to spinal surgery may be recommended to avoid postoperative epidural hematoma or paralysis 2.
- The risk of aspirin continuation in spinal surgery has been evaluated in several studies, and the results suggest that there is no significant difference in perioperative complications between aspirin continuation and discontinuation 4, 5.
- It is essential to weigh the benefits and risks of continuing or discontinuing aspirin therapy in patients undergoing spinal surgery, considering their individual medical history and cardiovascular risk factors 2, 3, 6.
Key Findings
- Continuing low-dose aspirin therapy during spinal surgery may not increase the risk of bleeding or bleeding-related complications 3, 4, 5.
- Stopping low-dose aspirin 7-10 days prior to spinal surgery may be recommended to avoid postoperative epidural hematoma or paralysis 2.
- Aspirin continuation or discontinuation does not significantly affect perioperative complications in spinal surgery 4, 5.
- The decision to continue or discontinue aspirin therapy should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the patient's individual medical history and cardiovascular risk factors 2, 3, 6.