Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
Care Before the Procedure
- Medical review: Share your full medical history, current medications (especially blood thinners), and allergies with your doctor.
- Informed consent: Discuss the purpose, benefits, and possible risks such as headache, bleeding, or infection.
- Positioning preparation: Learn how to lie on your side in a curled “fetal position” or sit leaning forward for better access between vertebrae.
- Imaging if needed: Ultrasound or fluoroscopy may be used in patients with challenging anatomy to guide needle placement safely.
Care During the Procedure
- Sterilization and anesthesia: The skin is cleaned, and local anesthesia is applied to numb the lower back.
- Needle insertion: A thin, hollow needle is carefully inserted into the lumbar spine until CSF flows.
- Sample collection: CSF is measured and collected in sterile tubes for analysis.
- Completion: The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied; patients remain still and breathe normally throughout.
Care After the Procedure
- Resting: Lie flat for 1–2 hours to reduce the risk of a post-lumbar puncture headache.
- Hydration: Drink water or caffeine-containing fluids to help replenish spinal fluid and reduce headache risk.
- Monitoring: Watch for complications such as severe headache, fever, drainage, numbness, or weakness, and report them immediately.
- Follow-up: CSF results guide further treatment; follow your doctor’s instructions for activity restrictions and any additional procedures if required.
Eligibility
- Patients needing evaluation for infections such as meningitis
- Individuals suspected of having bleeding or pressure problems in the brain/spinal cord
- People requiring cerebrospinal fluid testing for neurological conditions
- Patients who need medications or contrast delivered directly into the spinal canal
- Medical review: Share your full medical history, current medications (especially blood thinners), and allergies with your doctor.
- Informed consent: Discuss the purpose, benefits, and possible risks such as headache, bleeding, or infection.
- Positioning preparation: Learn how to lie on your side in a curled “fetal position” or sit leaning forward for better access between vertebrae.
- Imaging if needed: Ultrasound or fluoroscopy may be used in patients with challenging anatomy to guide needle placement safely.
Featured Specialities
Our Speciality Services
Neuro Surgery
Neuro Surgery
Our Neuro Surgery Department cares for complex conditions of the brain, spine and nervous system in both adults and children, combining advanced surgical skill with thoughtful, patient-first care. Our experienced neurosurgeons work closely with neurologists, intensivists, radiologists and rehabilitation teams to decide the best treatment path—whether surgical or non-surgical—based on what is safest and most effective for each patient. We manage brain tumours, stroke and trauma emergencies, spine disorders, vascular conditions such as aneurysms and AVMs, epilepsy and nerve pain, using modern techniques including minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery to support faster recovery.
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