Lumbar Puncture

During a lumbar puncture, a physician or physician's assistant uses a needle to remove cerebrospinal fluid from the space around your spine for laboratory analysis. A physician may also use a lumbar puncture to inject medications or dye into the space.

How to Prepare

Please arrive for this outpatient procedure at the time and location given to you.

Prior to undergoing a lumbar puncture, your CINN Outpatient Center nurse will arrange for you to have a blood test.

Bring a loose-fitting outfit with you to the hospital. Wearing comfortable clothes while returning home will minimize any discomfort you experience.

You must arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home.

You may eat and drink as usual and remain active right up until the time of your appointment.

What to Expect

Once you are settled in your room, you will be asked to disrobe and put on a hospital gown. Do not bring any jewelry or other valuables to the hospital the day of your procedure.

A nurse will perform a brief physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history. You will be asked to lie on your side on the examination table with your knees pulled toward your chest so that your back is slightly curved. For your comfort, a pillow may be placed between your knees and another placed under your head.

Next the radiologist will begin the process of removing a small amount of your cerebrospinal fluid for laboratory analysis. He or she will use an antiseptic solution to cleanse the selected insertion site on your back or neck, then inject a local anesthetic to numb the area. You may feel a burning sensation for a few seconds when the anesthetic is injected. After the area is numb, the radiologist will insert another needle through your skin and into the fluid-filled space that surrounds your spinal cord. You will not feel any sharp pain, although you may feel as though someone is putting pressure on your back. The radiologist will then use the needle to withdraw the cerebrospinal fluid. After removing the needle, the radiologist will place an adhesive bandage over the insertion site.

The procedure takes approximately 20 to 45 minutes to complete. After the procedure you will be asked to lay flat for one to two hours. When you need to empty your bladder, your nurse will assist you with a urinal or bedpan. After this period of rest, you will be discharged.

Have a family member or friend drive you home, and be sure to recline in the car as much as possible. After you return home, please take it easy for the next 24 hours.

You may experience side effects caused by the removal of some of your cerebrospinal fluid. The most common side effect is a headache that persists for several hours or up to several days. Symptoms that may accompany a headache include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or tightness in the shoulders, base of the neck, or lower back.

Unless otherwise instructed, drink plenty of fluids for the remainder of the day of your exam to help you avoid a headache. Drinking caffeinated beverages may be especially helpful in relieving a headache, as may lying down. You may take Tylenol; do not, however, take any aspirin-containing medications.

You will probably be able to resume your normal activities after 24-48 hours. If your side effects continue for more than 48 hours, call your CINN physician.

Additional Instructions

Do not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing products including Alka Seltzer, Anacin, Bufferin, and Empirin for one week prior to your appointment. Also, do not take Darvon, Naprosyn, Voltaren, Indocin or any products containing ibuprofen including Advil and Motrin for one week prior to your appointment. Ask your CINN physician when you can resume taking these medications. You may take Tylenol and acetaminophen.

If you regularly take a blood-thinning medication, such as aspirin or Coumadin, notify your CINN physician. Your dosage may be adjusted in preparation for the lumbar puncture.

Tell your CINN physician if you are pregnant or if you have any allergies, such as those to any medications, shellfish, or iodine or other contrast solutions.

If you develop a cold, fever, or flu symptoms before your scheduled appointment, contact your CINN physician.