An overview of lumbar puncture
A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical test used to diagnose certain health conditions. During the procedure, a needle is inserted into the space between two lumbar bones (vertebrae) in the lower back to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord to protect them from injury. This test can help diagnose infections, inflammation, disorders of the central nervous system, bleeding, or cancers of the brain or spinal cord. In addition, a lumbar puncture can be used to inject anesthetic medications, chemotherapy drugs, or other medications into the cerebrospinal fluid. The information gathered from the test can also help diagnose conditions such as meningitis, encephalitis, Alzheimer's disease, and others. While generally considered safe, a lumbar puncture does carry some risks, including bleeding, infection, or damage to the spinal cord.
What is lumbar puncture used for?
A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical test used to diagnose certain health conditions. It involves inserting a needle into the lower back to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. A lumbar puncture can be used for several purposes, including diagnosing infections, inflammation, or other diseases by analyzing the cerebrospinal fluid, measuring the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid, injecting spinal anesthetics, chemotherapy drugs, or other medications, and injecting dye or radioactive substances to make diagnostic images of the fluid's flow. The information gathered from a lumbar puncture can help diagnose a variety of conditions, such as serious infections, bleeding around the brain, cancers, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune neurological conditions, and more. While generally considered safe, a lumbar puncture does carry some risks, such as bleeding, brainstem herniation, or infection. It's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for preparation and discuss any concerns you may have before the procedure.
How to prepare for lumbar puncture?
Before a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) test, a health care provider will take your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order blood tests to check for bleeding or clotting disorders. It's important to inform your provider if you're taking blood-thinning or other anticoagulant medications, as well as if you have any allergies to medications, such as numbing medications (local anesthetics). Your provider may also recommend a CT scan or MRI to determine if you have any abnormal swelling in or around your brain.
How is lumbar puncture conducted?
A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is conducted by inserting a needle into the lower back, in the lumbar region, to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. The procedure may involve a local anesthetic to numb the puncture site, and the cerebrospinal fluid pressure is measured during the test. It may take around 45 minutes to complete.
How are lumbar puncture results reported?
The lumbar puncture results are typically reported based on the analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid sample, including its general appearance, protein levels, and white blood cell count. Lab technicians will examine the sample for any abnormalities, which may indicate infections, inflammation, or other diseases. The results will be shared with the healthcare provider, who will then discuss them with the patient or their family. However, the specific reporting of lumbar puncture results may vary depending on the medical facility and their protocols. It is best to consult with the patient's healthcare provider for details regarding their individual results and interpretation.
Understanding the report
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) results are interpreted by analyzing the appearance, protein levels, and white blood cell count in the cerebrospinal fluid sample collected during the procedure. A healthcare professional will examine the sample in a laboratory to check for any abnormalities that may indicate an infection, inflammation, or other diseases. The interpretation of the results may vary depending on the specific lab values and the individual's medical history and condition.