What is the purpose of restricting activity after a spinal tap?

The purpose of restricting activity after a spinal tap primarily revolves around preventing headache due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) loss. Following a lumbar puncture, there is a risk of a post-dural puncture headache, which can occur if CSF leaks out through the puncture site. This headache can manifest as a severe and debilitating condition that often intensifies when the patient is sitting or standing and improves when lying down.

To mitigate this risk, patients are advised to limit their physical activity and maintain a prone position for a period after the procedure. This helps to maintain CSF levels and minimize the potential for a CSF leak, thereby reducing the likelihood of a headache developing.

Other considerations like preventing nausea, reducing pain, or avoiding infection are important in the context of overall post-procedure care but are not the primary reason for the activity restrictions specifically after a spinal tap. The focus on preventing post-dural puncture headaches underscores the importance of careful management after such procedures.