SHN2004 – Lumbar Puncture
Lumbar Puncture
What is a Lumbar Puncture?
A lumbar puncture is an invasive procedure to access the subarachnoid space in the
lower spinal canal most commonly done to obtain an specimen of cerebral spinal
fluid (CSF)
Carried out as an attempt to find infection – typically carried out in babies/infants
where they cannot tell us exactly where and what the pain is (and also where there
is generalised issues where we are unsure what is causing the issue)
Not a pleasant experience but something that happens fairly regularly
A Lumbar Puncture
Side view (lower back of the individual)
Goes through skin, tissue, muscle etc.
A complex procedure and therefore is not normally done by junior doctors
Carried out as part of the septic screen to identify infection
Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)
CSF is a clear, colourless fluid which:
o Provides lubrication around the spinal cord
o Maintains intracranial pressure
o Acts as a mechanical shock absorber (very minor shock absorber)
o Transports various metabolic products
o Adults have approx. 100-150mls CSF
Around the subarachnoid space and into the ventricles
Indications
To obtain a specimen of CFS for analysis (meningitis, multiple sclerosis, subarachnoid
haemorrhage
1
Lumbar Puncture
What is a Lumbar Puncture?
A lumbar puncture is an invasive procedure to access the subarachnoid space in the
lower spinal canal most commonly done to obtain an specimen of cerebral spinal
fluid (CSF)
Carried out as an attempt to find infection – typically carried out in babies/infants
where they cannot tell us exactly where and what the pain is (and also where there
is generalised issues where we are unsure what is causing the issue)
Not a pleasant experience but something that happens fairly regularly
A Lumbar Puncture
Side view (lower back of the individual)
Goes through skin, tissue, muscle etc.
A complex procedure and therefore is not normally done by junior doctors
Carried out as part of the septic screen to identify infection
Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)
CSF is a clear, colourless fluid which:
o Provides lubrication around the spinal cord
o Maintains intracranial pressure
o Acts as a mechanical shock absorber (very minor shock absorber)
o Transports various metabolic products
o Adults have approx. 100-150mls CSF
Around the subarachnoid space and into the ventricles
Indications
To obtain a specimen of CFS for analysis (meningitis, multiple sclerosis, subarachnoid
haemorrhage
1
