Question 1

what is a lumbar puncture?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic test: A lumbar puncture is a test where a needle is inserted into the spinal canal to draw out a small amount of cerebral spinal fluid for diagnostic testing purposes, such as diagnosing meningitis.

Question 2

how is lumbar puncture performed?

Accepted Answer

Carefully :): Lp is typically performed in the office.  You will lie on your side curled up into a tight ball.  After sterilizing the area, local anesthetic is injected into the skin at the small of the back, and then a spinal needle is advanced between the vertebrae into the spinal canal.  Once in the canal, the fluid pressure is measured and fluid is removed for analysis.  Total time is typically 20 mins.

Question 3

how risky is the lumbar puncture?

Accepted Answer

LP: Lumbar puncture these days is done for diagnostic as well as anesthetic purposes. The needles used now are pencil point and the anesthetic agents injected are preservative free. So in experienced hands, there is no danger. However, if done above the level of L2, it has a potential of damaging the spinal cord.

Question 4

what do you advise if i had lumbar puncture?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar puncture: The advice is mostly based on why the procedure was done. The key advice is to discuss with the physician why the procedure was done, were there any unusual results for findings and do you need any further treatment for the reason the puncture was done.

Question 5

i would  like  to know  what  is lumbar  puncture?

Accepted Answer

Spinal tap: Needle inserted into lower back area into spinal canal to obtain spinal fluid for testing.  Can evaluate possible infection, multiple sclerosis, various other diseases of brain and spinal cord.

Question 6

what happens if a lumbar puncture is done too high?

Accepted Answer

May hit cord: Doing an LP too high up in the back risks hitting the spinal cord, which can damage the cord.  It is best to do an LP below the level where the actual spinal cord ends since the needle is designed to slide by nerve roots.

Question 7

what is the main reasons for needing a lumbar puncture?

Accepted Answer

Multiple: There are many potential reasons, but the most common are to see if there is an infection around the spinal cord/brain, rule out certain brain bleeds, to look for markers of multiple sclerosis, and to check if then pressure is normal (eg hydrocephalus).

Question 8

would heat help after a lumbar puncture?

Accepted Answer

Take it easy: Take it easy, drink plenty of fluid and try to do some walking.  Any discomfort should resolve in a day or two.  Good luck.

Question 9

is a lumbar puncture needed to diagnose ms?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: The test is one of many used to diagnose ms.  Even mris of the brain are not specific enough.  The diagnosis is a compellation of tests including the lp, x-rays, and clinical presentation.

Question 10

i got a spinal tap / lumbar puncture today?

Accepted Answer

If you have a: Specific question about the procedure or symptoms afterwards then please clarify and re-ask the question.

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Sedation for lumbar puncture in adults

A member asked:

What is a lumbar puncture?

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How is lumbar puncture performed?

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How risky is the lumbar puncture?

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What do you advise if i had lumbar puncture?

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I would like to know what is lumbar puncture?

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What happens if a lumbar puncture is done too high?

A member asked:

What is the main reasons for needing a lumbar puncture?

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Would heat help after a lumbar puncture?

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Is a lumbar puncture needed to diagnose ms?

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I got a spinal tap / lumbar puncture today?

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