# Can I have a spinal tap now, to re-inject later if I become unhealthy? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 22, 2012, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669 "2012-02-22T21:41:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![briankeys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@briankeys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/briankeys)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/1 "2012-02-22T21:41:56Z")
Coworkers were discussing the topic of spinal taps. Now, I am young, not so bright, and reasonably healthy. Is it possible to have a spinal-tap now, and then have the fluid cryogenic-ally frozen? I wonder if I become sick later in life, whether a doctor can then re-inject my spine with the healthy fluid, bringing me back into good health. Maybe this could be the next treatment that beats stem cells? ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/2 "2012-02-22T21:45:11Z")
Why are you ascribing miraculous properties to spinal fluid? I mean, it _is_ one of your precious bodily fluids, but it’s not a cure-all. ---
**Author:** ![briankeys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@briankeys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/briankeys)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/3 "2012-02-22T21:48:33Z")
Well, I am not familiar with which sorts of diseases or disorders affect your spinal fluid, but I want to be able to try to fight them later on in life. I think it would be a worthwhile procedure now that I am young. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/4 "2012-02-22T21:51:17Z")
I have some questions here: What illnesses are treated with (re)injections of cerebrospinal fluid? I’m not a doctor, but I’m not aware of any. How long can CSF be preserved once extracted? Do you realize how painful lumbar punctures are supposed to be? [Here’s the needle.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Spinal_needles.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Nunavut\_Boy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e95f7d/32.png) [@Nunavut\_Boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunavut_Boy)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/5 "2012-02-22T22:09:00Z")
CSF is water with a little bit of sugar and a little bit of protein in it. Maybe a few white cells. It’s boring and empty. Perhaps the OP is confusing a spinal tap with a bone marrow extraction? Banked bone marrow could conceivably be reintroduced into a person who later developed a leukemia. Bone marrow is much more interesting than CSF, it’s basically an immune system factory that also makes blood and platelets. ---
**Author:** ![briankeys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@briankeys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/briankeys)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/6 "2012-02-22T22:12:30Z")
> [@Nunavut\_Boy](#): > > CSF is water with a little bit of sugar and a little bit of protein in it. Maybe a few white cells. It’s boring and empty. > > Perhaps the OP is confusing a spinal tap with a bone marrow extraction? Banked bone marrow could conceivably be reintroduced into a person who later developed a leukemia. Bone marrow is much more interesting than CSF, it’s basically an immune system factory that also makes blood and platelets. I was not confusing the two. I want to have a vial of CSF for later. On the topic of bone marrow transplants, now that sounds like a very painful procedure. What is the shelf life of bone marrow? I would rather keep mine for later, as greedy as that sounds. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/7 "2012-02-22T22:15:17Z")
Cerebrospinal fluid is “turned over” 3 times a day. > **[Cerebrospinal fluid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebrospinal_fluid)** > > Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless transcellular body fluid found within the meningeal tissue that surrounds the vertebrate brain and spinal cord, and in the ventricles of the brain. > CSF is mostly produced by specialized ependymal cells in the choroid plexuses of the ventricles of the brain, and absorbed in the arachnoid granulations. It is also produced by ependymal cells in the lining of the ventricles. In humans, there is about 125 mL of CSF at any one time, and about 500 mL is... > [@](#): > > The CSF is produced at a rate of 500 ml/day. Since the brain can contain only 135 to 150 ml, large amounts are drained primarily into the blood through [arachnoid granulations](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arachnoid_granulations) in the [superior sagittal sinus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superior_sagittal_sinus). Thus the CSF turns over about 3.7 times a day. This continuous flow into the [venous system](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venous_system) dilutes the concentration of larger, lipid-insoluble molecules penetrating the brain and CSF.[[3]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebrospinal_fluid#cite_note-pmid10027064-2) I can’t imagine something that is cycled that heavily being something that is unique for preserving health. Yes, lumbar punctures are used to check for some forms of infection, primarily nervous system infections. Doesn’t mean putting in a Liter of saved spinal fluid would do anything to clear up an infection. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/8 "2012-02-22T22:22:14Z")
> [@briankeys](#): > > I want to have a vial of CSF for later. What diseases or afflictions use CSF as a treatment? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/9 "2012-02-22T22:23:19Z")
> [@briankeys](#): > > I want to have a vial of CSF for later. So far it sounds like you’re better off saving jars of your own urine. You get the same medical benefits without the pain and the trip to the hospital. > [@](#): > > What is the shelf life of bone marrow? I would rather keep mine for later, as greedy as that sounds. Again, for what? There are some bone marrow cancers where treatment involves reinjection of your own stem cells, but I don’t think there is any advantage in taking out those cells _now_ - you might as well wait and have the procedure on the off chance you contract one of those cancers. ---
**Author:** ![wheresmymind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/91b2a8/32.png) [@wheresmymind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wheresmymind)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2012, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/10 "2012-02-24T05:36:30Z")
CSF isn’t used to treat any diseases, as far as I know (IANAD). My impression is that spinal taps are used to withdrawal CSF, either for further testing or to relieve pressure, not to top you off with new brain lubricant. ---
**Author:** ![Lucretia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/13edae/32.png) [@Lucretia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucretia)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2012, 8:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/11 "2012-02-24T08:24:58Z")
> [@briankeys](#): > > Is it possible to have a spinal-tap now, and then have the fluid cryogenic-ally frozen? I wonder if I become sick later in life, whether a doctor can then re-inject my spine with the healthy fluid, bringing me back into good health. > > Maybe this could be the next treatment that beats stem cells? A) Maybe, but there would be no reason to, because B)No, a doctor couldn’t. Because there’s no disease or condition that a re-injection of your own CSF would treat. C) No. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2012, 9:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/12 "2012-02-24T09:22:08Z")
> [@Nunavut\_Boy](#): > > CSF is water with a little bit of sugar and a little bit of protein in it. Maybe a few white cells. It’s boring and empty. So… potentially useful if at some point in the future, **briankeys** becomes a bit dehydrated. But probably not close to the ideal solution to that problem. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2012, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/13 "2012-02-24T09:24:48Z")
Have you ever actually experienced a spinal tap? I have, and it’s not something you’d subject yourself to voluntarily. ---
**Author:** ![Darryl\_Lict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7cd45c/32.png) [@Darryl\_Lict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darryl_Lict)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2012, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/14 "2012-02-24T09:29:03Z")
I’m inspired to keep my poop in jars, just in case I need it later. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2012, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/15 "2012-02-24T10:10:43Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > Have you ever actually experienced a spinal tap? I have, and it’s not something you’d subject yourself to voluntarily. It goes to 11. ---
**Author:** ![KarlGauss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karlgauss/32/3713_2.png) [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2012, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/16 "2012-02-24T10:43:00Z")
When storing and re-injecting any bodily fluid, there is always the risk of infection. Well, of all such fluids/places, the likelihood and consequences of developing an infection in the CSF (i.e. [meningitis](http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199408113310605)) (link is gross - be forewarned) may be highest and catastrophic, respectively. So, you better have a damn good reason for carrying out such a procedure. ---
**Author:** ![Svejk\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@Svejk\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Svejk_1)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2012, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/17 "2012-02-25T18:02:46Z")
Spinal taps are a real thing? Huh. Live and learn, I guess 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2012, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/18 "2012-02-25T18:09:26Z")
Spinal _faucets_, probably. ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2012, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/19 "2012-02-25T18:14:07Z")
CSF’s main use is to cushion the brain and spinal cord. Saving one’s tears is more worthwhile. (No, there aren’t any practical uses for saved tears either, that I know of.) ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2012, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669/20 "2012-02-25T18:32:15Z")
> [@Darryl\_Lict](#): > > I’m inspired to keep my poop in jars, just in case I need it later. maybe if you deep froze it it still would be good for awhile for use as a fecal transplant, for some it is the only (not self donation) effective procedure. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-spinal-tap-now-to-re-inject-later-if-i-become-unhealthy/613669.md?page=2)