Lumbar Puncture

Lumbar puncture, 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 for diagnostic testing, chiefly to help diagnose diseases of the central nervous system such as meningitis and subarachnoid hemorrhage; it may also be used therapeutically in some conditions. It is typically performed under local anesthesia using sterile technique, with the fluid obtained analyzed for biochemical, microbiological and cytological findings. Increased intracranial pressure is a contraindication because of the risk of brain matter being compressed and pushed toward the spine, and while lumbar puncture is regarded as a safe procedure, post-dural-puncture headache is a common side effect. It was first introduced in 1891 by German physician Heinrich Quincke.