Then they insert a very thin needle between two vertebrae (spinal bones) at the base of your back and through the membrane (a thin skin-like layer) that surrounds the spinal cord and contains the CSF. The doctor or nurse gives you a local anaesthetic injection into the lower part of your back where they will perform the lumbar puncture (“lumbar” refers to the lower back). Alternatively, the doctor or nurse may ask you to sit on the bed with your head and shoulders bent forward so that your back curves out. You will lie curled up on your side, with your knees pulled into your chest and your back lined up with the edge of the bed. When you arrive for your appointment, the doctor or nurse will explain what is going to happen during the procedure and can answer any questions that you have. If you are taking any medication to thin your blood (anticoagulants) it is important that you inform the hospital before your appointment.Īn experienced doctor or specially trained nurse will carry out the lumbar puncture. There is no need to stop eating and drinking before the procedure, and you should continue to take any medication as prescribed, unless you have been told otherwise by your doctor. What happens before the procedure?Ī lumbar puncture is likely to take 30 minutes to an hour, so you don’t usually have to stay in hospital overnight. Less frequently, a lumbar puncture can be done as a means of treatment if a person has too much CSF, and the pressure of the fluid around the brain and spine is too high. They will also check the pressure of the CSF. Doctors may look for changes in the fluid that could indicate infection or bleeding, or unusual or uncommon cells that could be a sign of a neurological disorder. Often, a lumbar puncture is done because doctors need to do some tests on the CSF to help them make a diagnosis. It is sometimes referred to as a spinal tap.
#Lumbar puncture position Offline#
You can download this fact sheet to view offline or print by clicking the link below.Ī lumbar puncture involves extracting some of the fluid that surrounds your brain and spine (known as cerebrospinal fluid or CSF). Our Helpline team are also here to answer your questions and provide practical and emotional support. Each person is affected differently by encephalitis and you should speak with your doctor or specialist for individual advice. This fact sheet provides information on lumbar punctures. Our fact sheets are designed as general introductions to each subject and are intended to be concise. Healthcare professionals Expand dropdown.Information and support Expand dropdown.Organise your own event Expand dropdown.Patient and carers' events Expand dropdown.Living with a neurological problem Expand dropdown.Seeking a diagnosis and care Expand dropdown.
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