Why is this procedure done?
Cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, surrounds your brain and spinal cord. It protects and gives nutrition to the brain and nerves. A lumbar puncture is done to get a small amount of CSF fluid for testing. It is done to find out if you have illnesses like: � �
- Infection of the brain
- Swelling of the nervous system
- Spinal cord damage
- Certain types of cancer
- Bleeding in the brain or spinal cord
- Too much fluid in the brain
- Virus in the brain
A lumbar puncture can also be done to: � �
- Inject a dye in the brain for testing
- Give drugs like chemo, antibiotics, and anesthesia
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What will the results be?
The results may help find out if you have an illness of the brain. Your doctor will talk with you about the results. � �
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin � �, ibuprofen, Aleve � � (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- You may be given a dye called "contrast " � for this procedure. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to dye or shellfish.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-ray
- CT scan of the head
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie on your side with your knees pulled up to your chest. Sometimes, you will be asked to sit on an exam table and lean over with your head on a pillow. The doctor will talk with you about what will happen during the lumbar puncture.
- Your doctor cleans part of your back with antiseptic. You will be given a drug to numb the area where the lumbar puncture is done. This may sting a bit.
- Your doctor will put a needle in your lower back.
- If a fluid sample is needed:
- A special tube is attached to the needle to measure the CSF pressure of the spine. A sample fluid will be taken out and sent to the lab for testing.
- If a dye called contrast is injected:
- The doctor injects the dye. An x-ray machine takes a picture. The dye will make better pictures.
- If you are getting drugs, like chemo, or drugs for other treatments:
- Your doctor will give the drugs through the needle.
- Your doctor will remove the needle, clean the area, and cover it with a small bandage.
- The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will lie flat for a few hours to help prevent a headache. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- You may be given drugs to fight an infection.
- The test results may be ready in a couple of hours. Other test results may take a few days to weeks. How quickly the results are known depends on the reason for the test. Ask your doctor when you can get the results.
- You can go home soon after the test. In some cases, you may need to stay in the hospital.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: � �
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
- Help with anxiety
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Damage to nerves and vessels
- Headache
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth � �
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/lumbar_puncture.html# � �
NHS Choices � �
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Lumbar-puncture/Pages/Introduction.aspx � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �