What is a spinal tap or lumbar puncture?
A spinal tap or lumbar puncture is done to remove a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord or give medication into the central nervous system.
Getting ready for the test
The physician or nurse will have your child either lie down or sit on a table in the treatment room. EMLA® cream is used to numb the skin. It is placed on the site where the spinal tap will be performed. Your child will be asked to pull his knees and chin to his chest which will cause his back to curve out. Then the doctor or nurse will feel your child's back and choose a space between the bones of the lower part of the spine to insert the needle. Next, the skin will be washed with a sponge soaked in Betadine® antiseptic soap. Betadine® may feel cold. After the skin is washed, some towels will be put around the clean area. Because it is very important to hold still during the test, the nurses may have to hold him tight.
The spinal tap or lumbar puncture
Next, a small amount of numbing medicine is injected under the skin so the needle will not hurt as much. This medication stings at first, but soon the skin will be numb. After the skin is numb, the needle will be inserted into the spinal canal. Your child may feel pressure as the needle is inserted. A small amount of fluid that looks like water will drip from the needle and be collected. Then the needle is removed and a band-aid will be placed over the area. Occasionally, patients develop a headache after a spinal tap. Your child should lie flat in bed for 15 – 20 minutes to prevent a headache from developing.
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Written 12/00; rev. 7/03, 5/07
