Lumbar Puncture

Background

Lumbar puncture (LP), also called a “spinal tap,” is an invasive procedure performed to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the subarachnoid space in the spinal column. It requires the percutaneous insertion of a spinal needle between two lumbar vertebrae located in the lower back. LP is performed for two primary purposes: diagnostic and therapeutic. Most commonly, LPs are performed for suspected central nervous system infection (e.g., bacterial meningitis, viral encephalitis). Occasionally, LPs can also be performed therapeutically to remove CSF in order to alleviate discomfort associated with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP).