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Lumbar Puncture Test

What is it?

• a procedure to remove a small sample of cerebral spinal fluid from the lower spine
• this fluid surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord

How long does it take?

• about 20 to 30 minutes
• there is a possible 2-hour recovery period after the test, which will take place here at the Neurology Clinic

Why is the Lumbar Puncture test performed?

• to determine the spinal fluid pressure
• to obtain a specimen for testing (for either infection or bleeding)
• to relieve pressure around the brain by removing fluid
• to inject medications around the spinal cord

Does it hurt?

• you may experience pressure when the needle is inserted. You may also feel some fleeing leg pain while the needle is positioned because it may briefly touch a floating nerve ending.

Where is it conducted

• the Neurology Clinic Treatment Room
• 2nd floor Carver Pavilion

How many Lumbar Puncture tests are conducted each year?

• several hundred

What should you do to prepare for the test?

• eat normal meals
• if you are an outpatient, please bring a relative or friend who can drive you home
• continue taking prescribed medications unless your doctor gives other instructions

How is it performed?

• you will lie on your side with your knees drawn up toward your chin as far as possible
• the doctor will cleanse the skin over your spinal column with iodine
• an injection of local anesthetic may be given at the puncture site
• a needle is inserted into your spinal fluid space
• a long, thin tube called a manometer is attached to the needle to measure the fluid's pressure
• spinal fluid is collected into specimen tubes for laboratory testing

Frequently Asked Questions

• what if I'm unable to flex my back and legs?
  • the test can be done without bending or while sitting
• is the entire needle put into my back?
  • no, but the needle must be long enough to pass through the muscles of the lower back
• can I be paralyzed if the needle hits the spinal cord?
  • no, there is no need to worry about spinal cord damage. The needle is inserted well below the spinal cord.

• you will be asked to lie on your stomach for about 30 minutes
• after that, you will be asked to lie on your back or side for 15 to 90 minutes
• your nursed will check the puncture site periodically for swelling or leakage of spinal fluid. They will also ask you to wiggle your toes and move your legs.
• report any of the following symptoms to the doctor or nurse:
  • headache
  • tingling
  • numbness or pain in your lower back and legs
  • problems with urination
• you may return to your hospital room or home, unless given other instructions from the doctor
• if you are being driven home, you should lie down in the vehicle, if possible
• you will learn the test results either from the doctor before you leave, or from a copy of the letter sent to your personal physician

Instructions to follow at home

• drink 8 to 12 glasses of fluid (no alcohol) in the next 12 hours, unless your doctor indicates otherwise
• remain quiet for the next 24 hours
• avoid any strenuous physical activity for 48 hours
• if you develope a headache, lie flat for the next 12 to 24 hours or until the headache goes away. Remember to drink plenty of fluids
• if your headache persists, call your home physician or the physician at the hospital who performed the Lumbar Puncture test.

Neurology Clinic Hours

• during regular hours: call the Nurses station at (319)356-2957 after hours and on weekends: neurology resident on call at (319) 356-1616

Last Reviewed 2005

Source: University of Iowa Department of Neurology

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.