You might have some pain and bruising around your lower back these should settle in a couple of days. If you have a headache take painkillers, lie flat and drink plenty of fluids.

This might start soon after the test or later when you get home. You should have someone to take you home and you should not drive for at least 24 hours.Ī lumbar puncture is a very safe procedure, but some people may have side effects including a headache. You lie flat for an hour or so after the test, during this time your nurse will take your blood pressure and pulse. It only takes a few seconds.Īt the end, your doctor takes the needle out and puts a dressing or plaster on your back. Once it’s in the right place a small amount of the CSF drips out into the pot. You might feel some pressure or discomfort when the needle goes in, but this shouldn’t be painful. It goes into the small of your back and into the space around your spinal cord. When it’s numb, the doctor puts the Lumbar puncture needle in through the skin. Next, you have an injection of local anaesthetic to numb the area. To start the doctor drapes a sterile cover over you, then they clean the area with antiseptic fluid, which can feel cold. You have the lumbar puncture on the lower part of your spine called the lumbar region. Your nurse will ask you to take off your clothes, and put on a gown, but you can keep your underwear on. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have. When you arrive, your doctor will explain the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form.

The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes, but you will be in the hospital for a few hours. Let them know if you are taking medication to thin the blood or if you are allergic to anything. Your doctor will let you know about any preparation beforehand. You can also have chemotherapy into the CSF by lumbar puncture.

You might have an LP to see if there are any cancer cells or an infection in the CSF. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid or CSF. A lumbar puncture or LP is a test to check the fluid that circulates around the brain and spinal cord.

Lumbar puncture side effects headache