This overview is a sample of the type of information available to you at Griffin Hospital's Community Health Resource Center. It is not intended to replace your physician's instructions in the management of your health problems, but to better inform you about a particular illness and alert you to the availability of other materials. If you have a question about any piece of information presented in theses fact sheets, please call your physician, or stop by the Community Health Resource Center at your convenience.

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM

(LP, SPINAL TAP)

A lumbar puncture (LP) or spinal tap is used to test the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF). This fluid can be tested for the presence of blood, protein, sugar, or bacteria which could indicate an infection or hemorrhage. The pressure of the fluid can also be measured to detect other diseases.

The procedure takes only a few minutes and is usually performed in your room by your doctor. You will be asked to lie on your side in a tight fetal position, hugging your knees to your chest. Curling up like this stretches out your spine so your doctor can find the space between two vertebrae where the needle will be inserted. Once the area has been found, you will be given an injection of a local anesthetic which may burn for a moment, but then will numb the area. A special needle is then inserted between the vertebrae into the cavity that is filled with spinal fluid. Occasionally, the doctor will have trouble locating the fluid and the needle will have to be reinserted into a different place. This can sometimes be painful even though the anesthetic has numbed the skin.

When the fluid has been located, a gauge is attached to the needle to measure the pressure. A syringe is then attached to withdraw a sample of spinal fluid for further testing. Afterwards, the needle is removed and the puncture site is covered with a bandaid.

You should lie flat for several hours after the lumbar puncture to prevent a headache, which sometimes occurs after this test. If a headache does occur, you may be given a pain medication to relieve your discomfort.

The samples of the spinal fluid will be sent to the lab to be examined under a microscope, analyzed, or cultured for bacteria. The final results may not be available for several days.

Please note that this information is intended to give you a general overview of the topic. It is not intended to replace advice or instruction of a health professional. We recommend that you consult your physician, nurse, or qualified health professional regarding the information in this publication. © 1994 Planetree, Inc. Reproduction of this material in any form is limited to license agreement.

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