What potential risk is associated with spinal taps?

A spinal tap, or lumbar puncture, involves inserting a needle into the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic purposes. One of the potential risks associated with this procedure is infection at the site where the needle penetrates the skin and typically the dura mater surrounding the spinal cord. Since the procedure breaks the skin barrier, there is a chance that bacteria can enter the sterile environment of the central nervous system, potentially leading to conditions such as meningitis.

While excessive bleeding, high blood pressure, and allergic reactions can occur in medical procedures, these are not commonly associated specifically with spinal taps. Excessive bleeding might be more relevant in patients with significant clotting disorders or if the needle inadvertently punctures a blood vessel, but these scenarios are rare. High blood pressure is not a direct consequence of a spinal tap. Allergic reactions could occur from anesthetics used, but again, this is not a common risk tied to the procedure itself. Thus, infection is the primary risk that health professionals monitor closely during and after a spinal tap.