Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
About Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
A needle is inserted into the subarachnoid space of the lower back region to obtain spinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) for diagnostic or treatment purposes. This procedure is most commonly performed to identify an infection (especially meningitis) or bleeding into the cerebrospinal space. Normally, CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Side effects of the procedure include infection at the puncture site, bleeding at the puncture site, nerve injury and a postural or spinal headache.Symptoms
Mild discomfort at the needle insertion site. A spinal headache manifests itself as a headache that goes away lying flat and becomes severe with standing.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed with particular attention to conditions for which spinal fluid testing may be useful (such as meningitis) and conditions that may make the procedure more risky than usual (such as a tendency to bleed).Common tests: CT Scan.
Conventional treatment summary
Treatment for abnormal spinal fluid depends on the diagnosis. A spinal headache is treated with intravenous fluids, caffeine, and/or a blood patch. A blood patch consists of injecting the patient's blood in the area of the spinal tap to seal any leaks in the dura.Medical specialties
Neurology · Vascular and Interventional Radiology · Pediatric Neurology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Lumbar puncture (spinal tap).