Best Lumbar Puncture Procedure in Hyderabad

SPINAL FLUID TAP

Introduction

Usually, an LP is performed to run diagnostic tests on the CSF. This helps with the diagnosis of certain diseases and with following the progression of some neurological disorders.

During The Procedure

A spinal tap is commonly used to diagnose potentially life-threatening infections of the central nervous system. Diagnosing meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord) is the most common reason for a lumbar puncture. Meningitis causes a stiff neck, sudden high fever, severe headache, confusion, seizures, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Bacterial meningitis needs to be treated promptly to prevent serious complications. Diagnosing a subarachnoid haemorrhage, which is bleeding in between the meanings, is another common reason for an LP. A computed tomography (CT) scan is normally performed first, but it may not always show the haemorrhage. When this is the case, a lumbar puncture is usually ordered next to look for blood. This condition can lead to brain damage or death and needs to be treated as soon as possible. Other Conditions That A Lumbar Puncture Can Help Diagnose Include:

• Encephalitis, inflammation or infection of the brain
• Inflammatory nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
• Cancers that have spread to the CSF
• Inflammation in the spinal cord, known as myelitis
• Headaches that have no known cause

This procedure may also be done to measure the CSF pressure around the spinal cord and brain, which helps with the diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebral, a condition that causes increased pressure around the brain. For treatment of this condition, CSF fluid is removed to decrease the pressure. For people with problems such as severe scoliosis, arthritis, or obesity, an LP might require fluoroscopic guidance, which means that it is done while the doctor is using X-ray technology to visualize the spine.4 Some healthcare providers prefer to use fluoroscopic guidance with every patient to assist them in viewing the needle as it’s placed.

After The Procedure

• Plan to rest: Don’t participate in strenuous activities the day of your lumbar puncture (spinal tap). You may return to work if your job doesn’t require you to be physically active. Discuss your activities with your health care provider if you have questions.
• Take a pain medication: A nonprescription pain-relieving medication that contains acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can help reduce a headache or back pain. If your headache becomes severe, call your health care provider.