What are the most common complications after lumbar puncture (spinal tap)?

• headache and lower back pain are most common


• cerebral herniation, intracranial subdural hemorrhage, spinal epidural hemorrhage and infection are rare but serious complications

Straus, Sharon MD, et. al. "How Do I Perform a Lumbar Puncture and Analyze the Results to Diagnose Bacterial Meningitis?" JAMA. 25 Oct 2006.