What is Lumbar Puncture?

Our brain and spinal cord are surrounded by fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. Lumbar puncture is a procedure in which doctor collects a sample of cerebrospinal fluid which can be tested in the lab for diseases of the brain and spinal cord.

Pre Procedure:

Please inform your doctor if you are on blood thinners or history of bleeding tendencies.

During Procedure:

You are settled comfortably in an area where your privacy is respected throughout the procedure. You will be given a hospital gown to change into.

Doctor will ask you to lie on your side and fold your legs, so that your back is curved in a C shape.

Then doctor will disinfect your back with an antiseptic solution and numb it with local anaesthesia which is injected into the lower back area.

A hollow needle is inserted into your lower spinal cord to collect a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid.

The procedure area is then covered with Dynaplaster.

The entire procedure generally takes around 30 to 45 minutes.

Post Procedure:

After the procedure, doctor will ask you to lie down for an hour, under observation, after which you may leave.

You may experience minimal pain during the procedure, but this procedure is generally safe.

Sometimes you may experience a slight headache after the procedure which usually subsides in 1 or 2 days’ time.

You must not use a pillow while sleeping for 24 hours after the procedure.

• Drink plenty of water and fluids.
• You may remove the Dynaplaster the next day, after bath.
• You must be on complete rest for 24 hours, post procedure.
• Do not sit for long periods, post the procedure, for a couple of days.