Library · Procedure
Lumbar puncture
Make it clearer
There is fluid around the brain and the spinal cord. It is called cerebrospinal fluid, and it works like a cushion: it absorbs blows so those two structures do not get hurt. A lumbar puncture is the most common way to draw off a little of that fluid so it can be examined.
It is done through the back, in the lower spine. The person lies on their side, pulls the knees up toward the chest and tucks the chin in. The skin is cleaned, local anesthetic is given so the area goes numb, and a spinal needle is inserted. Besides collecting the sample, the test is used to measure the pressure that fluid is under.
In brief
A lumbar puncture is the most common way to obtain cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and cushions them to protect them from injury.
The person lies on their side with the knees drawn to the chest and the chin tucked down; the back is cleaned, local anesthetic is injected into the lower spine, and a spinal needle is inserted.
The test is also used to measure the pressure of that fluid.
Sources (1)
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of MedicineCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection (Medical Encyclopedia)
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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