I dont know about refusing. I was under the impression that it was part of their array of tests that they do to come to a decision on diagnosis. If it is any comfort, I had a lumbar puncture and was apprehensive, but to be honest, it wasn't painful at all. It is more the thought of it. All I would recommend is pain killers for the few days after as it did give me bad headaches.

I am not afraid of the actual test but the side effects afterwards, the headache and possibly having to go back for a blood patch. I watched many videos and people said they were so sick afterwards, vomiting. I am hoping I can get a diagnosis without the spinal tap.