Lumbar Puncture Spinal Tap

Lumbar Puncture, also known as Spinal Tap, is a medical procedure used to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic purposes.

Procedure

During a Lumbar Puncture, a needle is inserted into the spinal canal in the lower back to collect a small amount of CSF. The patient is positioned on their side or sitting up, and local anesthesia is administered to numb the area. The needle is carefully inserted between the vertebrae into the subarachnoid space where the CSF is found. The collected CSF sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Indications

Lumbar Puncture is commonly performed to diagnose various medical conditions, including:

  • Meningitis or other infections of the central nervous system
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Intracranial hemorrhage
  • Certain tumors
  • Autoimmune disorders affecting the nervous system

Risks and Complications

While Lumbar Puncture is generally a safe procedure, some risks and complications may arise, including:

  • Discomfort or pain at the insertion site
  • Bleeding or hematoma formation
  • Infection
  • Headache
  • Rarely, nerve damage or spinal cord injury

Aftercare

Following a Lumbar Puncture, patients are usually advised to lie down for a few hours and drink plenty of fluids to prevent headache and aid in CSF replenishment. It is important to monitor for any signs of infection or complications and report them to a healthcare professional promptly.

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