Lumbar Puncture

Lumbar Puncture (LP)

Headache & Migraine Triggers Slideshow

• What is a lumbar puncture (LP)?
• Why is a lumbar puncture done?
• How is the LP performed?
• What is done next?
• What is the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
• What is normal CSF?
• What diseases are diagnosed by examination of the CSF?
• What are the risks of an LP?
• What are the benefits of an LP?

What is a lumbar puncture (LP)?

A lumbar puncture (an LP) is the insertion of a needle into the fluid within the spinal canal. It is termed a "lumbar puncture" because the needle goes into the lumbar portion (the "small") of the back.

Other names for a lumbar puncture (an LP) include spinal tap, spinal puncture, thecal puncture, and rachiocentesis.