Spinal Tap

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Risks

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

Before You Go

• You may follow your normal diet before this procedure.

What to Expect While You're There

• Taking Your Vital Signs: These include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
• Urinating: You will be asked to empty your bladder before the test begins.
• During the Lumbar Puncture:
  • Typically, you will be asked to lie on your side with your knees pulled up to your chest. You may have a pillow under your head and will be covered with a sheet. Alternatively, the doctor may want you to sit in a chair with your head bent toward your knees.
  • You will be asked not to move. Your lower back will be washed with a cleaning agent. To lessen your pain, you will be given a shot of numbing medicine.
  • Your doctor will carefully put a needle into a space between the vertebrae (VER-tuh-bray) in your lower back. You may feel some pressure as the needle enters your back. Tell the doctor if you feel pain.
  • The doctor will test the pressure in your spinal canal. Before the procedure continues, you can stretch your legs out.
  • A sample of your cerebrospinal (SER-ee-broh-SPINE-ul) fluid will be taken and sent to the laboratory for testing. (This fluid is also called ""CSF'' or spinal fluid.)
  • The lumbar puncture will take about 15 to 20 minutes. A small dressing will be put on your back after the test.
  • To avoid a headache, you must lie flat for several hours after the test. You may eat and drink.

After You Leave

• You may resume normal activities as soon as you feel better.
• Keep the area clean and dry for 24 hours. When you shower, place a piece of waterproof material, such as plastic, over the bandage. Keep the area covered with a bandage or gauze dressing for 1 to 2 days.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day for 1 to 2 days.

Call Your Doctor If...

• You feel severe pain in your back.
• You have any bleeding other than a small spot on your bandage.
• You develop a high temperature.
• You have a headache for longer than 24 hours.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You have a severe headache that is not relieved by lying down.
• You have any numbness or tingling in your legs.