Preparing questions in advance can help parents and patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their child’s condition. Parents and children may wish to ask the doctor the following questions related to spinal taps:

1. Why does my child need a spinal tap? Are there alternative, non-invasive procedures that can be used to diagnose/treat my child’s condition?
   
   
2. Will you need to use general anesthesia during my child’s spinal tap?
   
   
3. How can I prepare my child for the spinal tap?
   
   
4. Do I need to make changes in my child’s diet or take other preparatory steps prior to the procedure?
   
   
5. Will my child require a sedative during the procedure? Will my child need to be held in place?
   
   
6. How much discomfort is my child likely to experience?
   
   
7. How soon after the procedure will my child be allowed to return home?
   
   
8. Should I take any special steps to help prevent a headache in my child?
   
   
9. How soon will we get the results back?
   
   
10. What procedures might follow the spinal tap?