How do you do a therapeutic lumbar puncture?

How do you do a therapeutic lumbar puncture?

A lumbar puncture (LP) or spinal tap may be done to diagnose or treat a condition. For this procedure, your healthcare provider inserts a hollow needle into the space surrounding the spinal column (subarachnoid space) in the lower back to withdraw some cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or inject medicine.

How painful is a spinal fluid test?

A lumbar puncture is also called a spinal tap, spinal puncture, thecal puncture, or rachiocentesis. A lumbar puncture is usually not painful, as a patient is first given a local anesthetic. Most patients feel nothing except for the mild sting of the local anesthetic needle.

How long does a CT guided lumbar puncture take?

This procedure is usually completed within 45 minutes.

How long do you have to stay in bed after a lumbar puncture?

The duty physician advises you that the patient will require four hours bed rest after the lumbar puncture.

How do I find a landmark for a lumbar puncture?

Background: The anatomical landmark which is used to identify the correct level for lumbar puncture is the line connecting both iliac crests. This crosses the vertebra column at the level of the L4-L5 intervertebral space or L4 vertebra.

Is a lumbar puncture serious?

A lumbar puncture is generally a safe procedure and serious side effects are uncommon. The most common side effects are: headaches, which can last for up to a week – you’ll be given painkillers at the hospital if you need them.

How big is the needle for a lumbar puncture?

Lumbar puncture is also performed therapeutically in some instances. Standard LP needles come in 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 5.0 inch lengths (3.8, 6.4, 8.9, and 12.7 cm, respectively). Selection of LP needle length is typically based on experience; however, an unusually obese or cachectic patient may pose more of a challenge.

Can a radiologist do a lumbar puncture?

A common procedure, lumbar punctures can be performed by physicians in a variety of specialties, however, fluoroscopic guidance performed by a radiologist may be necessary in more complex cases.

Why do CT before lumbar puncture?

A computed tomography (CT) scan of the head is frequently ordered by clinicians prior to performing a lumbar puncture (LP) to rule out an intracranial abnormality with elevated intracranial pressure that could potentially place the patient at risk for brain herniation, a rare, yet fatal complication [1–5].

Can I shower after a lumbar puncture?

You may shower after your test. Do not immerse your puncture site in water. Please wait 48 hours after your test to take a bath, use a hot tub or whirlpool bath.

How do you perform a lumbar puncture?

A lumbar puncture ( spinal tap ) is performed in your lower back, in the lumbar region. During a lumbar puncture, a needle is inserted between two lumbar bones (vertebrae) to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. This is the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord to protect them from injury.

What are the contraindications of a lumbar puncture?

Absolute contraindications for lumbar puncture are the presence of infected skin over the needle entry site and the presence of unequal pressures between the supratentorial and infratentorial compartments.

What is the position after lumbar puncture?

Position of the patient is critical. Position: Lumbar puncture may be performed with the child lying on their side or sitting up. Aim for maximum flexion of the spine (curl into fetal position), but avoid over flexing the neck, especially in infants as this may cause respiratory compromise.