![]() If you are planning to return home on the day of the test (i.e., if you have not been admitted to the hospital), you should arrange for someone to drive you home. Your doctor may also want you to have a computed tomography (CT) scan before having a lumbar puncture to make sure there is no swelling around or in your brain.Īsk your doctor or pharmacist whether you need to stop taking any of your medications before the procedure. Your doctor may order some blood tests to see if you have any bleeding disorders. Blood disorders or medications that decrease the ability of the blood to clot (e.g., blood thinners) may increase the chances of bleeding. Some medications and medical conditions may affect the test. Tell your doctor before the test if you are allergic to anesthetic or if you are or may be pregnant. Also tell them about any medication allergies and medical conditions that you may have. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Be sure you fully understand what will happen and are comfortable with your doctor's answers to your questions. How should I prepare for this test?īefore having this test, discuss the advantages, disadvantages, long-term risks, and consequences associated with the test with your doctor. The test takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The readings are called the opening and closing pressures, respectively. Your doctor may take pressure readings, one when the spinal canal is first punctured, and another before the needle is removed. It is important to stay completely still while the needle is being inserted. You may feel stinging or discomfort during this process. If no CSF comes out, the doctor must reposition the needle. If the doctor is successful, CSF will leak out into the needle. The doctor inserts the needle where CSF is likely accessible. Cleaning the area with an antiseptic solution prepares the area and reduces the number of bacteria that may cause infection.Ī local anesthetic is used to freeze the area before another needle is inserted for the test. The doctor looks at your spinal column, then marks where a needle will be inserted into your spine. Your doctor may ask you to take another position however, this is the most common position for the test. ![]() You will lie down (on your side) on an examination table or hospital bed and draw your knees up to your chest. Then you will be asked to undress either partially or fully and put on a hospital gown. Be sure your doctor understands all your concerns.īefore the test starts, you may be asked to empty your bladder. Take the time to be sure you understand all the risks of complications and side effects as well as any precautions you or your doctor can take to avoid them. If you are concerned about any symptoms following this test, speak to your doctor. Other problems related to changes in pressure inside the spinal canal and brain may occur. ![]() This type of leak may close on its own with rest, or with an injection of your own blood that will seal the leaking area. See your doctor immediately if this happens. However, a headache lasting more than 1 or 2 days after the test may be a sign that CSF is leaking out of your spinal canal. Headache tends to resolve on its own without any treatment. Up to 25% of people will develop a headache after the test. ![]() ![]()
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