Neurology

Lumbar Punction

A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure, which is done to diagnose diseases and during the procedure a needle is inserted into the spinal canal. The purpose of this common procedure is to collect cerebrospinal fluid. So why is a lumbar puncture applied?

What is Lumbar Puncture?

The purpose of lumbar puncture, which is a medical procedure and diagnostic method, is to diagnose diseases that may occur in the nervous system, including the brain and spine. Thus, this method is used to detect diseases and develop clear treatment methods. It is a very helpful and frequently preferred diagnostic method for doctors.

How Is Lumbar Puncture Performed?

The lumbar puncture procedure, which must be performed in a sterile environment, must be performed with local anesthesia. A hypodermic needle is used to collect fluid from the spinal canal. The liquid collected with the help of a needle is then sent to the necessary laboratories for various tests and analysis. At the same time, ultrasound can be used to make the process more successful.

In order to perform the lumbar puncture, the patient must be positioned in a hunched position, where the back will be defined. He pulls his knees up and keeps his chin close to his chest. The area of the back where the procedure will be performed is cleaned and local anesthesia is applied under the skin. Afterward, the spinal fluid is reached with a needle and the procedure is completed by taking a sample or applying medication.

Treatment with Lumbar Puncture

Is treatment possible with a lumbar puncture? Yes, in some cases it is also possible to treat with lumbar punctures. For example, there may be some situations where drugs must be injected into the cerebrospinal fluid during chemotherapy. In these cases, the lumbar puncture method is consulted for direct access to the spinal fluid.

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