Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedure at Sarkar Hospital
What is a Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)?
A lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap, is a medical procedure in which a doctor inserts a thin needle into the lower back to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.
At Sarkar Hospital, lumbar puncture is performed under strict sterile conditions by experienced healthcare professionals to ensure safety and accuracy.
Why is a Lumbar Puncture Performed?
A lumbar puncture helps diagnose and manage conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system, including:
Meningitis (brain and spinal infection)
Bleeding in the brain (intracranial hemorrhage)
Dementia
Multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders
Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
Myelitis (spinal cord inflammation)
Leukemia or other cancers
Excess cerebrospinal fluid
How to Prepare for a Lumbar Puncture
Before the procedure, your doctor may recommend:
A CT scan or MRI
Blood tests
Adjusting or temporarily stopping blood-thinning medicines (only with doctor approval)
Reviewing your medical history and current medications
Your healthcare team at Sarkar Hospital will give you clear instructions before the procedure to ensure your safety.
Other Uses of a Lumbar Puncture
Healthcare providers may also use a lumbar puncture to:
Administer regional anesthesia (such as epidural anesthesia)
Inject contrast dye for imaging tests (myelogram)
Deliver cancer medications or muscle relaxants
Relieve increased pressure inside the skull
What Happens During the Procedure?
You will be asked to lie on your side with knees drawn to the chest, or sit and lean forward.
The lower back area is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia.
A thin needle is inserted between two lower back vertebrae.
Cerebrospinal fluid pressure may be measured.
A small sample of CSF is collected.
The needle is removed and a bandage is applied.
You may feel pressure, but the procedure is usually not painful.
Where is the Procedure Done?
A lumbar puncture may be performed:
In the hospital
As an outpatient procedure, allowing you to go home the same day
If it’s done on an outpatient basis, someone must accompany you home.
Will I Be Asleep?
No. You will be awake, but the area is numbed with local anesthesia to prevent pain.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Total time: 15 to 30 minutes
The needle remains in place for only a few minutes
Trusted Neurological Care at Sarkar Hospital
At Sarkar Hospital, lumbar puncture procedures are performed with precision, safety, and patient comfort, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective care.
📞 Contact Sarkar Hospital, Agra for expert neurological evaluation and treatment.