What is a Lumbar Puncture?
A lumbar puncture operation is performed in the lumbar region of the lower back. This surgical procedure helps in diagnosing serious infections such as meningitis, central nervous system diseases such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and multiple sclerosis, or cancers of the brain or spinal cord. In a few conditions, doctors use lumbar punctures to inject anesthetic medications or chemotherapy drugs into cerebrospinal fluid.
| Procedure Name | Lumbar Puncture |
|---|---|
| Type of Procedure | Diagnostic & therapeutic |
| Type of Anesthesia | Local anesthesia |
| Procedure Duration | 15 minutes - 30 minutes |
| Recovery Duration | Usually very short (a few days) |
Lumbar Puncture: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Preparation: Before the lumbar puncture procedure, you are advised to take up a CT scan or MRI scan. The patient will be asked to stop using certain medications that might affect the procedure.
During the procedure: Once in the procedure room, you will be administered local anesthesia to numb the lower back region to reduce the likelihood of causing pain during the procedure. A tiny needle is then inserted, and fluoroscopy is used to guide its position between the vertebrae. While the needle is in place, the cerebrospinal fluid pressure is measured, & a small sample of fluid is finally removed for analysis for prompt diagnosis. The cerebrospinal fluid is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord to protect them from injury.
Recovery & Post-Op Care: Since the spinal tap is an outpatient procedure that takes only a few minutes—roughly fifteen to twenty minutes—the patient usually does not need to stay in the hospital. Along with other recommendations like drinking plenty of water, it is crucial to take rest for 24 hours and refrain from doing any physically demanding activities. Once they feel well enough, the person can resume their regular activities. However, if you notice symptoms like a high fever or excruciating, ongoing headaches for weeks, or if you experience bleeding from the puncture site, you can get in touch with your doctor.
Benefits of Lumbar Puncture at Yashoda Hospitals
- Quick diagnostic technique for various infections, brain & spinal cord conditions
- Therapeutic procedures that aid in injecting drugs during chemotherapy for cancer patients directly into the brain or spinal cord.
- Helps with the direct injection of antibiotics or anesthetics into CSF.
- Aids in reducing the pressure developed in the brain due to conditions such as hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain).
- An approach to identify brain or spinal tumors.
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