Lumbar Puncture

A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure in which a thin needle is inserted into the lower back to access the spinal canal. The procedure allows physicians to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for laboratory analysis or to deliver medication directly into the spinal canal. Lumbar puncture is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as meningitis, multiple sclerosis, certain cancers affecting the nervous system, and other neurological disorders. It can also be used to measure cerebrospinal fluid pressure, which is important in evaluating conditions like idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The procedure is performed with the patient lying on their side or sitting up and leaning forward. After numbing the skin with a local anesthetic, the physician carefully guides a needle between the vertebrae of the lower back into the subarachnoid space. The entire process typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. At Spinal Interventions, lumbar punctures are performed using fluoroscopic guidance to ensure precise needle placement, maximizing accuracy and patient comfort.