Lumbar Puncture Procedure

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Introduction
A lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap, is a procedure to remove a small amount of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid, CSF). The fluid is then examined. This procedure may be done to:
Help diagnose various problems, such as meningitis, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, and other infections.
Remove fluid and relieve pressure that occurs with certain types of headaches.
Look for bleeding within the brain and spinal cord areas (central nervous system).
Place medicine into the spinal fluid.
Tell a health care provider about:
Any allergies you have.
All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines like aspirin or NSAIDs.
Any problems …show more content…
What happens after the procedure?
You may need to stay lying down for a while after the procedure.
Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until any medicines you were given have worn off.
Do not drive for 24 hours if you received a sedative.
You will need to drink plenty of fluids and caffeine to help prevent a headache.
Summary
A lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap, is a procedure to remove a small amount of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid, CSF). This may be done to help diagnose a wide variety of conditions, especially infections like meningitis.
Before the procedure, tell your health care provider about all medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines like aspirin or NSAIDs.
Before the procedure, ask your health care provider about changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking blood thinners.
Your lower back will be numbed with an injection before the needle is placed into your spinal canal.
After the procedure, you will lie need to stay lying down and drink plenty of

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