What is Lumbar Puncture?
Definition of Lumbar Puncture (or Spinal Tap)
A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, is a procedure performed to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. A needle is inserted into the lower back, and CSF is collected for further study.
More Tests
Purpose of the Test
This test helps to identify many neurological disorders, diseases, infections and injuries:
- Meningitis
- Brain bleeding
- Diagnose MS or Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Measure CSF pressure
- Inject a radioactive dye for further x-ray or nuclear tests
