A back puncture is called a back tap. It involves collecting a sample ofCSF. The fluid that surrounds your brain is called CSF. A laboratory can test it for diseases.

Your doctor may order a lumbar puncture for a few different reasons. They may use it to check for signs of certain medical conditions, such as:

  • There is a disease called meningitis.
  • dementia
  • Themyelitis is inflammation of the spine.
  • The brain tissue is inflammation.
  • Multiplesclerosis is a disease that demyelinating.
  • There are conditions that are related to the autoimmune conditions.
  • cancers that can affect your spinal cord, brain, or blood, such as leukemia
  • There is a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

In some cases, they may use a lumbar puncture to administer medication directly into your spinal canal. For example, they may use it to give you chemotherapy drugs.

A lumbar puncture can help your doctor accurately diagnose or rule out certain medical conditions, including some life threatening illnesses. The quicker they make a diagnosis, the sooner you can make choices about treatment. Some conditions, such as bacterial There is a disease called meningitis., can be fatal if not treated quickly.

A doctor can give you some types of medication if you have a spine tap.

A lumbar puncture is generally considered safe, but it can involve some risks. About 10% of people who get a lumbar puncture develop a headache afterward. A headache might come on within a few hours or a few days.

In a 2020 study of 117 people who had a lumbar puncture, 13 experienced a headache after the procedure. Those were more likely to be younger and have a lower volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in their body.

Other potential risks include tenderness or pain in your lower back and bleeding near the puncture site. You may experience some pain and numbness that shoots down your legs. In rare cases, people experience brain herniation, which is the movement of brain tissue from its normal position in your skull. This is uncommon.

If you want to stop taking any of the medications, you should tell your doctor about it. They may advise you to stop taking blood thinners.

Your doctor may order a diagnostic test before your puncture. They can use it to check for signs of brain problems.

Your doctor will puncture your back using a needle and a needle. They will attach a tube to the needle to collect your sample. They will send it to a laboratory for testing.

The procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. It usually includes the following steps:

  1. They will likely position you on your side or forward.
  2. They will numb your back with a local anesthetic and clean it with an antiseptic solution to reduce your risk of infections.
  3. They will inject a hollow needle into your subarachnoid space to collect a sample of yourCSF. The procedure is usually painless at this point.
  4. They will bandage the puncture site after they remove the needle.

They will likely monitor you for a few days after the procedure for any side effects.

They will send the sample to a lab. Professionals in the lab are likely to do that.

  • Evaluate its appearance for cloudiness.
  • “It’s important to check for the presence of both sugars.”
  • Measure the level of red and white blood cell levels.
  • “It’s important to check for the presence ofbacteria orviruses.”

It may take a few hours to analyze your sample. Your doctor can help you understand what the results mean. They will advise you on any follow-up steps you should take.

Your long-term outlook will be dependent on your final diagnosis. Ask your doctor for more information about your condition and treatment plan.

How painful is a lumbar puncture?

A lumbar puncture is usually not painful. You may feel pressure when the needle goes in.

Is a lumbar puncture a serious procedure?

A spinal tap procedure is common. Side effects might include headache or low back swelling. Serious complications are rare.

Are you sedated for a lumbar puncture?

A doctor applies local anesthetic at the site of the lumbar puncture. You will be awake for the spinal tap procedure.

How long does a spinal tap procedure take?

A lumbar puncture takes about 15 to 30 minutes. However, after the procedure, your doctor will ask you to stay at the hospital or clinic for another few hours to ensure there are no complications.