Lumbar Puncture

A lumbar puncture is performed using imaging guidance to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) send to pathology for analysis.

Useful information can be obtained by performing a lumbar puncture. It can:

•  Help diagnose serious infections, such as meningitis
• Help  diagnose disorders of the central nervous system (Guillain-Barre syndrome, multiple sclerosis)
• Detect cancers of the brain or spinal cord

Sometimes doctors use lumbar puncture to inject anaesthetic medications or chemotherapy drugs into the cerebrospinal fluid. See Lumbar Puncture for Intrathecal Chemotherapy.

Please continue all regular medications with sips of water (unless otherwise instructed), including blood pressure medications.

Please inform us  if you are currently  taking medications that thin the blood (Aspirin, Plavix, Warfarin etc)  as these may need to be stopped prior to your appointment. It may be useful to bring a LIST of medications to your appointment.

A recent blood test will need to be completed prior to your appointment to assess your renal function and blood clotting time. If your blood test was taken outside the hospital then you will need to obtain a copy of the results and bring it to your examination.

You will need to bring any previous films (x-ray/CT/MRI/US) along to your appointment.

 It is important to inform a member of staff as soon as possible if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant BEFORE the test is performed. If you suspect you could be pregnant then a pregnancy test will need to be performed prior to the commencement of the examination.

For health and safety reasons, family members cannot be present with during the procedure. A staff member will be available to assist you at all times during the procedure if you have any concerns.

You'll need to remove any clothes, jewellery or other objects that may interfere with imaging in the area of interest.

A doctor will explain the procedure and you will be required to sign a consent form. If you require an interpreter, please inform the booking clerk at the time of booking.

You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. All jewellery and metal objects in the area to be scanned will need to be removed as this can cause artefact and obscure the images.

You will usually be positioned on your side with your knees towards your chin on the procedure table.  A sterile sheet will be draped over you with the lower back exposed. A cold cleaning solution will be applied to clean the skin.

Images will be taken to locate the placement of the needle. Local anaesthetic will be injected to numb the area. It is important to remain as still as possible during the procedure.

The needle will be inserted into your spine and positioned in the spinal subarachnoid space. Cerebrospinal fluid is collected and the needle is removed. The cerebrospinal fluid collected will be sent to the pathology department for analysis.

A small dressing will be applied to the injection site.

You will need to remain flat for four hours after your lumbar puncture to reduce the likelihood of a headache.

It is possible to experience temporary leg weakness when you first stand after the procedure.

Go to your nearest GP or Emergency Department if you experience:

• Pain not relieved with over the counter pain killers
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bleeding or swelling of the puncture site
• Signs of infection (redness and inflammation at the puncture site)
• Continuous headache,
• Fever

A report regarding your procedure will be given to you before you leave to give to your referring doctor. It contains information about your procedure and any findings that your doctor should know about.