Lumbar Puncture

What is a lumbar puncture?

A lumbar puncture is a procedure used to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that flows around the brain and inside the spinal canal. A lumbar puncture is usually done to check for an infection, inflammation, bleeding, cancer or other conditions that affect the brain and nervous system.

What will happen?

Before the procedure:

Please drink plenty of fluids prior to your appointment to ensure you are well hydrated at the time of the procedure. This will help reduce the risk of a headache with the procedure.

It is preferred that you bring a family member or friend with you as a driver is preferred for transportation after the procedure.

You may eat a light breakfast and drink fluids prior to the procedure.

You may be asked to hold your multi-vitamin or other supplements the morning of the lumbar puncture.

During the procedure:

You will be asked to lie on your side or to sit up on the side of an exam table or in a massage chair. If you are on your side, your knees will be bent and drawn up toward your chest. Your neck will be tucked toward your chest and you may be given a pillow. If you are sitting, you will need to bend forward while sitting on the side of an exam table.

Your healthcare provider will feel your lower spine to look for the best place to do the lumbar puncture. He or she will mark this position using a marker. You may be given one or more shots of numbing medicine under the skin. A needle is inserted between the vertebrae (spine) in your lower back. You may feel some pushing or pressure as the needle enters your back. Tell your healthcare provider if you have pain that does not stop within a few seconds. Your healthcare provider may need to remove, reinsert, or change the position of the needle.

Your healthcare provider may take readings of your CSF pressure. This is done by connecting a measuring device to the needle. After the pressure is measured, the device is removed and CSF is allowed to flow out of the needle. Samples of your CSF will be collected and placed in sterile tubes and sent to the lab. The needle will then be taken out and the area will be covered with a bandage.

The duration of this procedure varies.  Please budget up to 90 minutes for this procedure in your schedule.

After the procedure:

You may be asked to lie down on the exam table until your healthcare provider says it is okay to get up. Tell a healthcare provider if you have a headache, or any other discomfort after the procedure.

Some tests require a spinal fluid sample to be compared to the blood. You may need to get a blood draw in the lab after the lumbar puncture.