Lumbar Puncture: Everything You Need to Know

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Chapters

0:00 Introduction
0:51 Benefits of Lumbar Puncture
1:08 Risks of Lumbar Puncture
1:47 Preparation for a Lumbar Puncture
2:17 Lumbar Puncture Procedure: What to expect
3:13 Results

Lumbar puncture (LP), also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the spinal canal, most commonly to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic testing. The main reason for a lumbar puncture is to help diagnose diseases of the central nervous system, including the brain and spine. Examples of these conditions include meningitis and subarachnoid hemorrhage. It may also be used therapeutically in some conditions. Increased intracranial pressure (pressure in the skull) is a contraindication, due to risk of brain matter being compressed and pushed toward the spine. Sometimes, lumbar puncture cannot be performed safely (for example due to a severe bleeding tendency). It is regarded as a safe procedure, but post-dural-puncture headache is a common side effect if a small atraumatic needle is not used.[1]

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia using a sterile technique. A hypodermic needle is used to access the subarachnoid space and collect fluid. Fluid may be sent for biochemical, microbiological, and cytological analysis. Using ultrasound to landmark may increase success.[2]

Lumbar puncture was first introduced in 1891 by the German physician Heinrich Quincke.

[kevaughnshawn]

I got mine done Wednesday and trust me, the discomfort doesn’t stop there. Today is Saturday and I’m still feeling the headache and back pain.

[latricemariemorris]

I’m getting one less than a week and it’s nerve wracking wish me luck

[VineofHope]

It has been near ten years ago sincenj did it and still experience periodic pain and discomfort

[giorgiomaggioni]

I did it when I was young (8), to check for meningitis, It was the most pain I ever had, that’s now coming from a boxer (22ys), broken rib, nose or arm didn’t compare

[StephenBarnes-zc]

Messed up my back from lumbar punctures. Condition I have means I have to have a lot of them.And saying they aren't painful is rubbish depends on the person doing I've some that constantly keep hitting the nerve and it's like an electric shock down your body.

[shezankhantheking]

We do this procedure to remove pressure mildly prominent subarachnoid space ....or to know the reason of it...plz answer me soon tomorrow i have to go for this procedure.

[mosewalizada]

I did it today and come back home and hade a walk I don’t know yet

[johnnyburger]

I felt a shock on my left leg then moments later both my legs were paralyzed throughout the whole procedure and waited till I was able to walk again what if he didn’t fix the needle ? My RBC an CSFwas at 1, 755

[MrCodykuczenski]

Why is just ok to say pressure in a medial setting when all I have learned that to mean is at least 6/10 pain. I’ve passed many kidney stones and am far more fearful of a doctor telling me there’s going to be “some pressure or discomfort” 😅

[machenzel]

3:35 did anybody else expect him to say "Please, don't try this at home"

[VineofHope]

I woold say to all prospective patients never do a lombar puncture