Lumbar Puncture

A lumbar puncture may be done for various reasons. The most common reason is to remove a small amount of CSF for testing. This can help in the diagnosis of various disorders. The fluid is tested for red and white blood cells, protein, and glucose (sugar). The clarity and color of the fluid are also checked and it is tested to see whether bacteria, viruses, or abnormal cells are present. Excess CSF may also be removed in people who have an overproduction or decreased absorption of the fluid.

You will be referred to hospital/ outpatient surgery department to schedule your lumbar puncture.

A lumbar puncture procedure may be helpful in diagnosing many diseases and disorders, including:

• Meningitis. An inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation is usually the result of a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
• Encephalitis. An inflammation of the brain that is usually caused by a virus.
• Certain cancers involving the brain and spinal cord
• Bleeding in the area between the brain and the tissues that cover it (subarachnoid space)
• Myelitis. An inflammation of the spinal cord or bone marrow
• Guillain-Barré syndrome. A disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the nervous system

Demyelinating diseases. Diseases that attack the protective coating that surrounds certain nerve fibers - for example, multiple sclerosis.