Purposes of doing lumbar puncture

• For diagnosis: Extract cerebrospinal fluid for various laboratory tests for diagnosis of diseases such as infectious disease of the central nervous system (CNS), inflammatory CNS disorders (such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, paraneoplastic syndrome), unexplained seizure disorders, and conditions causing rapid cognitive decline, etc.
• For treatments: Inject medicine into the subarachnoid space for treatments.
• For anesthesia: Inject anesthetics for regional anesthesia in some surgeries.

Preparation before the procedure

• Doctors will explain the purposes and process of this procedure to you for your cooperation.
• Fill out the consent form for this procedure.
• Empty your bladder and bowels before the procedure to reduce abdominal pressure.

What you should know about the procedure

• You will lie on the side with legs bended toward the abdomen, like a shrimp.
• Puncture site: usually between the space between the 3^rd lumbar spine and the 4^th lumbar spine or between the space between the 4^th lumbar spine and the 5^th lumbar spine.
• The procedure usually takes 15 minutes to an hour.

What you should know after the procedure

• Gauze will be used to cover the puncture site and secured with tapes after the examination. If there is no oozing, you may remove the gauze next day; there is no need to change dressing.
• After the procedure, your doctor may ask you to lie down according to your condition.
• Side effects such as headache, nausea, or vomit may occur in some patients. Please let our staff know if you have any.