A investigative procedure which is used to diagnose certain conditions which affect the brain and the central nervous system by taking a small amount of Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal canal. The procedure is termed as Lumbar puncture as the cerebrospinal fluid is taken from the lumbar or the lower back region. The fluid once collected is then sent for examination and evaluation of certain parameters.
When is a lumbar puncture procedure advised ?
A Lumbar Puncture is advised to identify and diagnose the conditions affecting the brain, the spinal cord and the central nervous system. These conditions may range from infections, inflammations to diagnosing tumor and cancer.
Below is the list of conditions where a Lumbar Puncture is advised.
- Meningitis
- Bleeding around the brain
- Swellings in and around the brain
- Multiple sclerosis
- Gullian-Barre Syndrome
- Cancer
The Lumbar Puncture may also be used to diagnose other features like the pressure and composition of the cerebrospinal fluid.
How do you prepare for a lumbar puncture procedure ?
A Lumbar Puncture is advised by your neurologist or your neurosurgeon depending upon your clinical condition and symptoms. You will be reviewed in detail for your medical history, medication history and your present condition before the procedure. You might have to cease taking some medications if advised by your doctor. The procedure might have certain risks and complications so it is advised that you ask your treating doctor about the risks, benefits and outcomes of the procedure in detail. The procedure is performed in a healthcare setup or a doctor’s office hence you will be asked to get admitted prior to the procedure or sometimes the procedure can be done on an outpatient basis as well.
How is lumbar puncture procedure performed ?
Lumbar Puncture is performed in a healthcare setup or in a doctor’s office where you will be made to lie down on an examination table, mostly on your side with your legs drawn up to your knees to increase the gap between your vertebral bones. The lower back or the site of puncture will be cleaned and sterilized before the start of the procedure. Once you are lying down in a comfortable position, your doctor will use a local anesthetic solution to numb your lower back (lumbar region). Once the effect of anesthesia starts you treating doctor might use a marker to mark the site where the needle will be inserted. Once the site is marked a specific needle is placed in the marked area and once the needle is inside the stylet or the core of the needle is removed. If the needle is in the right position in the spinal canal, a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid will be seen dripping from the side of the needle and or else the needle position is changed to find the correct spot. Once the needle is the spinal canal, it is pushed a little farther and the required amount of spinal fluid or cerebrospinal fluid is taken.
When the needle is in the spinal canal, a manometer may be used to measure the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid before, during and after the procedure. The consistency or appearance of the cerebrospinal fluid is also evaluated.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes to an hour and once the needle is taken out the puncture site is bandaged with sterile gauze and tape.
Who reports a lumbar puncture procedure and when ?
The Lumbar Puncture report is given by your neurologist or neurosurgeon or spine specialist in a day or depending upon the institution’s policy of reporting.
What are the risks and complications of lumbar puncture procedure ?
Lumbar Puncture is a safe procedure but one usually encounters a headache after the test is completed and hence you are made to lie down on a flatbed for a few hours with your head raised up. You will also be asked to drink plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated. Some people might complain of a backache, fever, chills and swelling, infection, bleeding, clotting around the puncture site. It is important to seek immediate help from medical experts if any of the above mention symptoms exists. Rarely, one may get a nerve injury or a severe infection because of a Lumbar Puncture procedure. Hence it is always advised that one should understand the risks and complications of the procedure well in detail before going ahead with the procedure.
How to find neurosurgeons for lumbar puncture procedure ?
Now you can find neurosurgeons for lumbar puncture procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple neurosurgeons, get cost estimates for lumbar puncture procedure from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a neurosurgeon for lumbar puncture procedure.
Find and choose a neurosurgeon for lumbar puncture procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
