Spinal Tap

Medical procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid

Spinal Tap

MeSH	D013129
MedlinePlus	003428
eMedicine	80773

A spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture, is a medical procedure used to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region of the spine.

Indications

Spinal taps are performed for various reasons, including:

• Diagnosing meningitis, encephalitis, and other central nervous system infections.
• Diagnosing subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Diagnosing multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases.
• Measuring intracranial pressure.
• Administering intrathecal medications, such as chemotherapy.

Procedure

The patient is typically positioned lying on their side with their knees drawn up to their chest, or sitting and leaning forward. The area around the lumbar spine is cleaned and sterilized. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area. A hollow needle is then inserted between the vertebrae into the subarachnoid space to collect CSF.

Risks and Complications

While generally safe, spinal taps can have potential risks and complications, including:

• Post-dural-puncture headache
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage

Aftercare

After the procedure, patients are usually advised to lie flat for a few hours to reduce the risk of headaches. They should also stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours.

Related Pages

• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Meningitis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Intrathecal administration
• Central nervous system