The spinal tap or lumbar puncture is a test that may contribute to your total medical evaluation. In this test, a small amount of spinal fluid is withdrawn and analyzed.
Spinal fluid surrounds the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
You will be asked to sign a hospital permit for this procedure. If you have questions regarding the permit, please feel free to ask for clarification of the procedure. In order to perform the spinal tap, you will be asked to lie on your side. The lower part of your back will be cleaned and a local anesthetic will be injected into the appropriate area. After the area is numb, the doctor will insert a special needle into the space surrounding the spinal nerves.