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.
Facts
FAQs
How long does a lumbar puncture take?
About 30 minutes in most cases, with the fluid collection itself taking a few minutes.
MedlinePlus states that in most cases the procedure takes about 30 minutes. The actual pressure measurements and the collection of cerebrospinal fluid take only a few minutes of that time.
Connections
Treats
Source Lumbar puncture (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
2. Lumbar puncture (Wikipedia)
- First introduced in 1891 by Heinrich Quincke, article intro
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumbar_puncture, lead section
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.
Treats: Hydrocephalus, Pressure determination
In the setting of raised pressure (or normal pressure hydrocephalus, where the pressure is normal but there is excessive CSF), lumbar puncture may be therapeutic.
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