LUMBAR PUNCTURE

A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, collects a sample of the fluid that flows around the brain and spinal cord. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid. A needle is inserted at the base of the spine into the space around the spinal cord. A small sample of fluid from the spine is sent to the lab for analysis. Tests are run for infection or signs of other diseases in the nervous system.

Lumbar puncture can also allow injection of substances. These may include:

dyes for x-rays
pain killers for pain relief or
medications for treatment of brain and spinal cord disorders

A common reason for lumbar puncture is to diagnose meningitis. In meningitis, the membranes that surround the spinal cord and brain become infected or inflamed. Another reason for the procedure is to check for increased pressure in the spinal column that can occur with several diseases.

There are several circumstances where a lumbar puncture would not be recommended. These include prior infection near the puncture site, problems with blood clotting, or increased pressure in the head. Before a lumbar puncture, a thorough examination is performed to look for these conditions.

A lumbar puncture can be performed in a medical clinic or hospital. During the procedure, a patient either sits or lies on his or her side on a table or bed. Nervous patients may be given a mild sedative. A local painkiller may be given at the puncture site. Some discomfort is felt only when the lumbar puncture needle is inserted. A small sample of fluid is drawn and the pressure measured. The whole procedure should last only a few minutes. This is especially true for relaxed patients.

After the procedure, it is important to drink fluids, and to stay quiet for a while. Lying down may help avoid a headache. Patients should follow the advice of their healthcare provider carefully.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File NEUR3532.RF2 VRS# 5507 Data Version 7.0