cWhen we undergo certain medical procedures, such as a spinal tap, certain fears may arise about the risks involved. In the next article we will explain What is a lumbar puncture, what is it for and where can it be performed by trained and experienced professionals.
What is a spinal or lumbar puncture?
A spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture, is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the space surrounding the spinal cord in the lower back. A lumbar puncture is usually performed to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. for further analysis.
When should you have a lumbar puncture?
Doctors may recommend a lumbar puncture to diagnose or rule out certain neurological conditions such as meningitis, encephalitis or multiple sclerosis. It can also be done a spinal tap to administer medications, such as local anesthetics or chemotherapy to treat certain types of cancer.
What is a spinal or lumbar puncture used for?
Lumbar puncture is a procedure that helps diagnose different disorders of the central nervous system. Through puncture, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is extracted and subsequently analyzed.
Spinal puncture is also used to apply anesthesia, chemotherapy, inject contrast in spinal studies (myelography) or radioactive substances to generate images that detect cerebrospinal fluid leaks (cisternoscintigraphy).
Some of the conditions that can be diagnosed through a lumbar puncture are:
Meningitis and encephalitis
The meningitis It is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis consists of inflammation of the brain. Both conditions can be very serious, so early diagnosis is vitally important.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding between the space of the brain and the membranes that cover it. It usually occurs due to the rupture of an artery in the brain. This is an emergency that requires urgent medical attention.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic immune-type disease that affects the ability of the brain and spinal cord to communicate with the rest of the body, which can lead to disability.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus consists of excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Normally, cerebrospinal fluid is absorbed into the bloodstream, but in hydrocephalus, the flow is obstructed, so the fluid builds up in the brain. It can be congenital, that is, you are born with it, although there is a risk of it occurring at any age.
Cancer detection
After a lumbar puncture it can be seen whether the cerebrospinal fluid contains cancer cells or tumor markers. In fact, a research on brain cancer diagnosis carried out at the Vall d'Hebron Hospital, has shown that the information collected through a spinal tap allows greater precision in its diagnosis and treatment.
Step by step of a spinal puncture
Spinal puncture consists of the following steps:
- The patient will be placed in the position that allows the best possible access to the spine. It is normal to have your back flexed, which widens the spaces between the vertebrae.
- The doctor will clean the skin and inject local anesthetic into the site where the puncture will be performed. This may cause a brief burning sensation.
- Once the area is disinfected, a long, thin, hollow needle is inserted between the two lower vertebrae. You may feel discomfort or pressure, but A lumbar puncture generally does not hurt.
- It is time to remove the cerebrospinal fluid sample, measure blood pressure, or administer medication.
- The needle is carefully removed and a sterile dressing or bandage is applied to the puncture site.
- The patient will remain lying down after the puncture to rule out complications.
How do I prepare for a spinal tap?
Days before the procedure, the doctor should be aware of recent illnesses, medications, allergies and the possibility of pregnancy.
It is normally recommended to stop taking some medications the days before the spinal puncture, as well as to stop eating or drinking from midnight before the medical test.
It is a good idea to find a companion for the trip home after the puncture, as well as avoid planning activities for that day and the next, to ensure adequate rest.
How long does a spinal tap last?
From the application of anesthesia to the removal of the needle, The duration of a lumbar puncture is usually about 45 minutes. Rest in a lying position may be requested after the puncture to ensure that the procedure is completed without complications.
Does it hurt to have a spinal tap?
Spinal puncture is a safe and painless procedure in most cases. Burning may be experienced for a short period of time when local anesthesia is applied; During the puncture itself it is common to feel pressure and discomfort. Although patients do not experience major discomfort, the degree of pain depends on the patient's circumstance and the skill of the professional performing the puncture.
Side effects of a spinal or lumbar puncture
Like any medical procedure, side effects may appear after a lumbar puncture. The most common are the following:
- Headache: A quarter of people experience a headache after a spinal tap. It usually begins a few hours after the test and may be accompanied by nausea, dizziness and vomiting. The pain is accentuated when the patient is standing or sitting, but disappears if he lies down. It usually subsides on its own and can last from a few hours to about a week.
- Back pain: This is a common side effect after a lumbar puncture, it can sometimes extend to the upper legs. Back pain usually goes away within a few days.
- Bleeding: Although rare, bleeding may rarely occur near the puncture site.
- Infection: Like any other procedure that involves penetration into the skin, there is a minimal risk of infection, although the chance of needing antibiotic treatment is less than 1 in 1,000.
- brain stem herniation: May occur if there is elevated intracranial pressure or a brain injury or tumor. This complication is rare, and can be prevented by performing a neurological examination prior to spinal puncture.
How and where to do a spinal or lumbar puncture in Madrid
In ICAC we have the best medical team, as well as the latest technology, to perform spinal tests safely and professionally. Our team, widely recognized, will provide you with the best medical service possible.
We are one of the leading spine specialized institutions in the city of Madrid. Make an appointment with us, Whether in person or online, we will answer all your questions.
23 thoughts on “¿Qué es una punción espinal o lumbar, para que sirve y dónde se puede realizar?”
The truth is that a lumbar puncture can hurt, and quite a bit. I think saying that a lumbar puncture doesn't hurt is a huge mistake. It is true that not all punctures are the same, some are more painful than others, it depends a lot on the patient's condition and also on the success of the person who performs it, but saying that it does not hurt seems very inaccurate to me, since not only does it not is true, but it can also confuse its readers, in addition to losing credibility in the rest of the informative content for patients who have suffered a painful puncture. Greetings.
Hello Michelangelo.
Thank you very much for pointing this out to us. Pain can vary depending on conditions and patient.
We will review it and update the content so that it is as accurate as possible and covers all possibilities.
Greetings!
Well, today I had a lumbar puncture, and this is the second time. The first one was done without anesthesia and the second one the doctor thought was appropriate, although I asked him not to give it to me. On neither occasion did it hurt at all. It is true that I felt a little discomfort, which is not pain, when the needle went through the membrane, but nothing more. Perhaps it is more the fear that they instill in us, and we are already predisposed to pain, than what it really is, it did not hurt at all.
Hello, a question: How many times can a person's lumbar fluid be removed? My brother already had 2 times removed, now the third time is okay or not?
Hello Digna,
To tell you something we would need to know a little more about the reasons and when and why this study was performed on your brother. In general, there are no contraindications to having more than two lumbar punctures.
Greetings.
I had a lumbar puncture and I would like to know in case of leakage because I still have pain, what can be done? Because apparently they have done it wrong for 3 weeks now my head and legs still hurt
Hello Ana,
You should perform a test to verify what has happened and from there follow up appropriately with the specialist.
Greetings
I had a lumbar puncture 1 year ago and I still have symptoms of fluid loss, I recover lying down. The neurologists say that the MRI does not show that it is fluid loss, but I am not recovering. What other doctor could I visit? It's about my sister
Thanks greetings!
Hello Delfina,
Always in these cases it is best to consult several opinions.
You can make an appointment with our team by calling 91 005 39 00 and we will evaluate your case personally.
Greetings
Good evening... just recently I had a lumbar puncture to rule out sclerosis (I don't know the results yet) 8 days have passed... and although I feel a little better I don't get so dizzy or vomit anymore, my head and neck area still hurt a lot. the nape of the neck, the cervical... another symptom is that I see worse (sight) is it normal? Today I had to drive to another town to get the hepatitis B vaccine that the neurologist recommended and wow, fatal…. Between pain and time to see clearly.. thank you
Hi Bea,
When you have the results we will be able to know what is causing these symptoms.
Greetings
Good evening, yesterday my husband had a lumbar communion and after the anesthesia he was unable to move, he cannot walk, he cannot feel his feet or his member, what should be done, I am very confused.
Hello Karen,
Loss of movement and sensation after a lumbar puncture is a serious situation that requires urgent medical attention. It is crucial that you immediately contact the medical team that performed the procedure or go to the emergency room for a prompt evaluation.
Greetings
Hello, I have undergone lumbar production, which they had to puncture me about 12 times a day because they couldn't find the fluid. I have a lot of pain in my back and legs. They are bearable. This is normal. My head has not hurt at any time. Thank you.
Hello Antonio,
It would be necessary to check if it comes from the procedure or if the pain has another origin.
Greetings
My son had a lumbar pension 2 months ago.
Now he has been in a lot of pain in his lower back where the punches are.
Is it normal for it to hurt???
Hello Areli,
We are very sorry to hear that your child is going through this situation. A lumbar puncture may cause discomfort in the area for a while, but if the pain persists two months after the procedure, it is important to have an evaluation. This could be related to local irritation, muscle tension, or in some cases, a side effect of the procedure. To accurately determine the cause, a specialist would need to assess your case in detail.
If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with our team of specialists by calling 91 005 39 00. They will be able to carry out a complete evaluation and offer an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Hello, I have had a pelvic floor injury and I cannot stand or lift my head because I feel a strong pressure on my shoulders as if I were carrying an elephant. It goes away immediately and I lie down on the bed.
Is this normal and for how many days?
Hello Heliot,
I'm so sorry you're experiencing these symptoms. The feeling of pressure in your shoulders and difficulty holding your head upright after a lumbar puncture (LP) is a well-known symptom, and in many cases, it's related to the loss of cerebrospinal fluid that can occur after the procedure. This can lead to severe headaches and pressure in your neck and shoulders.
Although the discomfort can be quite intense, these symptoms generally tend to improve with rest. It's important to follow your doctor's recommendations, who may suggest rest and adequate hydration.
The duration of these symptoms varies, but they should typically disappear within a few days, although some people experience discomfort for a week or more. If the pressure or pain does not decrease or worsens, it is crucial to consult your doctor, as further evaluation may be necessary.
Remember that it's always important to follow your medical team's instructions to ensure proper recovery.
Greetings.
Good evening, I had a lumbar puncture 17 days ago. At first, I couldn't walk, it hurt and it has stopped, but now my lower back hurts extremely much, and even more when I get constipated. The pain is uncomfortable, it's somewhat hot, and well, it makes me feel like it's burning. What can I do?
Hello Flavio,
After a lumbar puncture, it's normal to feel discomfort for a few days, but if the pain persists for more than two weeks, increases, or is accompanied by sensations such as burning or local heat, it's important to see a doctor for a checkup. This may be residual irritation, but other causes such as inflammation or infection should also be ruled out.
Greetings.
Well… they did a lumbar puncture on me… I’ve been there for 6 years now… and they ripped my soul out. 4 or 5 people came… and they made me lie on my back… face down… and only God… knows what I’ve been through. WITHOUT CONSENT. It was an admission because I was attacked by sarch. covid. confinement period… and I couldn’t walk. It attacked my brain and spinal cord. It caused encephalomyelitis. Said by the Guttmann Institute. I only know that since then they give me rituximab… every 6 months… I got out of a wheelchair… I walk I do a lot of sports… but as soon as I don’t exercise… I’m bad. And it always hits me from the knees down. And my feet with spinal cord sequelae… everything has been done to me. Stimulation… reflexology, reiki, acupuncture… years and years of treatments… medications… and I can't get back on my feet. They tell me that my immunity is stagnant and that I'm fine… but I continue like this… I have to be accompanied everywhere. And when I set foot, I land and try to walk… it's difficult, and even more so when I don't exercise… I SUSPECT THAT LUMBAR PUNCTURE THAT WAS IN 2020
Hello,
I'm so sorry for everything you've been through and that you're still in pain. A lumbar puncture is usually performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, but to assess whether it was related to your current symptoms, a specialist would need to thoroughly review your medical history, reports, and your progress since then.
You can also compile all your reports and test results so they can review your case as a whole and suggest possible approaches to improve your quality of life.
Greetings.