What does a lumbar puncture show?

A lumbar puncture can help diagnose serious infections, such as meningitis; other disorders of the central nervous system, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome and multiple sclerosis; or cancers of the brain or spinal cord.

How bad does a lumbar puncture hurt?

A lumbar puncture is usually not painful, as a patient is first given a local anesthetic. Most patients feel nothing except for the mild sting of the local anesthetic needle. It is possible to feel a pressure sensation as the needle goes in.

What diseases can be found in spinal fluid?

Diseases detected by CSF analysis

• meningitis.
• encephalitis.
• tuberculosis.
• fungal infections.
• West Nile virus.
• eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV)

What diseases can a lumbar puncture diagnose?

A lumbar puncture procedure may be helpful in diagnosing many diseases and disorders, including:

• Meningitis.
• Encephalitis.
• Certain cancers involving the brain and spinal cord.
• Bleeding in the area between the brain and the tissues that cover it (subarachnoid space)
• Reye syndrome.
• Myelitis.
• Neurosyphilis.

What are the side effects of lumbar puncture?

What are the risks of a lumbar puncture?

• A small amount of CSF can leak from the needle insertion site.
• You may have a slight risk of infection because the needle breaks the skin’s surface, providing a possible way for bacteria to enter the body.
• Short-term numbness of the legs or lower back pain may be experienced.

How long is a lumbar puncture procedure?

A lumbar puncture takes around 30 to 45 minutes, but you’ll need to stay lying down at the hospital for at least another hour while the nurses monitor you. You’ll be able to go home the same day if you feel well enough, but you would not be able to drive yourself home.

Why is lumbar puncture so painful?

There are lots of nerves within the fluid in the spinal canal but usually they have room to move out of the way. If one of the nerves is touched, it can give a nasty ache or pain, usually in a leg. Once the needle is in the right place, it takes a few seconds to get the sample.

How long does a lumbar puncture procedure take?

How many lumbar punctures can a person have?

Also, there must be no more than 3 attempts to insert the needle in to your spine. Any more than three attempts may result in an incorrect reading and the procedure should be stopped and re booked for another day. You have the right to tell the person performing the lumbar puncture to stop at any time.

Does high protein in CSF mean MS?

Cerebral Spinal Fluid Studies Oligoclonal Immunoglobulin Bands can be identified in the CSF of MS patients via electrophoresis. The overall protein level is also slightly elevated – up to 0.1 g/L. Protein level can be higher if the patient is going through a marked relapse (i.e.,. severe optic neuritis).

What can I expect during a lumbar puncture?

What happens during a lumbar puncture? You will remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere with the procedure You will be given a gown to wear. You will be reminded to empty your bladder prior to the start of the procedure. During the lumbar puncture you may lie on the exam table on your side with your chin tucked to your chest and knees tucked to your abdomen.

What is the recovery time for a lumbar puncture?

Recovery From Lumbar Puncture. Patients are advised to lie flat for a period of time after the procedure and to avoid any strenuous activity for at least 24 hours. There may be some temporary after effects of the puncture, including a bloody discharge from the site, tenderness or pain in the lower back that may extend into the back of the legs,…

Is lumbar puncture and spinal tap the same thing?

A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a procedure that collects a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. This is the fluid that surrounds and protects the spinal cord and brain.

What is the best position for a lumbar puncture?

A lumbar puncture procedure can be performed best in the lateral recumbent position. However, an upright sitting position can be used in some patients.