About Lumbar Puncture
A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a procedure to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal canal. This fluid helps protect your brain and spinal cord, and its analysis can help diagnose various conditions.
Causes / Typical Use Case
Diagnosing meningitisencephalitismultiple sclerosiscertain cancersunexplained headachessubarachnoid hemorrhage.
Next Steps
After the procedure, you will need to lie flat for a few hours to prevent headaches. Drink plenty of fluids to help your body replenish the CSF. Follow your doctor's specific instructions for activity restrictions and pain management.