Definition

A lumbar puncture is a test of the fluid around your spine and brain. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It provides protection and nutrition to the brain and nerve cells. CSF also helps to remove waste products from the brain.

Lumbar Puncture Method

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Reasons for Procedure

The test is done to look for abnormalities in the spinal fluid. It may be done to help diagnose conditions such as:

• Brain infection, or infection of the layers around the brain
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Any disorder affecting the nervous system
• Certain types of cancer
• Bleeding in the brain or spinal cord
• Excess CSF in the brain

The procedure may also be done to:

• Administer dye for imaging studies
• Drain CSF to lower pressure within the brain
• Give medication directly to the spine, such as chemotherapy, antibiotics, and anesthesia

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

• Headache
• Backache
• Bleeding, which can compress the nerve roots or spinal cord
• Pain or abnormal burning, pricking, or tingling sensations in legs
• Allergic reaction to anesthetic
• Infection

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Severe headache or headache lasting for more than 24 hours
• Nausea or vomiting
• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, bleeding, or discharge from the lumbar puncture site
• Numbness, tingling, or pain in your lower back or legs
• Weakness in your lower legs or difficulty walking
• Problems with urination or defecation
• A stiff neck
• Pain that you cannot control with the medications you've been given

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.