Lumbar puncture

Lumbar puncture is a procedure that takes a small amount of liquor (cerebrospinal fluid) from the lower (lumbar) part of the spinal canal, which is then analyzed. Liquor surrounds the brain and spinal cord and protects them from injuries. The procedure lasts 30-45 minutes.

INDICATIONS / WHY IT IS DONE?

• For the purpose of setting diagnosis of bacterial, viral or fungal infections of umbilical cord (meningitis) or brain tissue (encephalitis) or the detection of subarachnoid bleeding.

• For the purpose of injecting anesthetics, cytostatics, other drugs, contrast agents (myelography) or radioactive substances as part of various tests or treatments of various neurological diseases and conditions.

HOW IT IS PERFORMED?

• You will lie on one side with legs bent at the knees and clutched toward your chest, or you will sit forward.

• The doctor will insert a thin, hollow needle into the space between the two spine vertebra in the lower part of the spine (lumbar), through the tunica (dura) into the spinal canal. During this procedure you can feel a slight pressure.

• After that, the doctor will measure the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid, and if an injection drug or other agent is needed. The needle will be removed, after which the stinging area will be covered with a bandage.

POTENTIAL RISKS

• A headache. Can occur often, usually begins for several hours to two days after the procedure and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and dizziness. It is usually present when sitting or standing and calming down in a lying position. It can take several hours to a week.

• Uneasiness or back pain.

• Bleeding

• Herniation of the brain (moving parts of the brain).

PREPARATION

Tell your doctor if:

• You are taking medicines that prevent blood clotting (Aspirin, Plavix, Clopidix, Farin, Sincum, Sintra, Pradaxa, Xarelto, Eliquis, Fraxiparin) and advise on correcting the dose of the medicine before the procedure.

• You take painkillers such as Brufen, Diclofen ….

• You have an allergy to some medicines.

AFTER THE LUMBAR PUNCTURE

• It is recommended to rest. You can go back to work if the work you do does not require physical engagement. Do not train the day after the procedure.

• If you have headaches or back pain, you can take pain medication (in consultation with the doctor).