Lumbar puncture
A lumbar puncture is a test where a doctor uses a needle to get fluid out from the back. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid or CSF. Your child lies on their side and is held still, with their knees tucked into their chest and head bent forward. Babies will be "curled in a ball" to get a better position. A doctor puts a needle between the bones of the lower back. It does not go near the spinal cord. Lumbar punctures are also sometimes called a "spinal tap" or "LP".
Signs and symptoms
Babies less than 1 month old need a lumbar puncture if they have a fever. This test is usually done to find out if your child has an infection in the fluid around the brain (meningitis). It is the only way to know for sure if your child has meningitis or not. If your child has meningitis, they will need other tests and treatment in hospital. Occasionally lumbar punctures are done for other reasons.
What should I expect
Does it hurt?
It is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful test. Your child will be held still, and babies and small children do not like this and often cry. We can help to numb the skin with some cream or with an injection. We may be able to give your child some medicine to make them less scared and worried.
What are the risks?
Lumbar puncture is a very safe test. Sometimes we are not able to get fluid and may have to try more than once. A small number of children may have a headache or backache for a day or two after the test. The risk of any serious complications (bleeding or infection, damage to nerves) is extremely small.
Care after procedure
Your child can be bathed normally. If there is a band-aid or dressing on your child's back it can be taken off the next day. If they have a headache or sore back they can have some paracetamol (Panadol).
Key points to remember
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Lumbar punctures are the only way to be sure if your child has meningitis or not.
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It is a very safe test.
More information
Click on this link to "Reduce children's discomfort during tests and procedures" fact sheet
Individual information
| Developed by General Medicine Department and Dept of Emegency Medicine. First published Dec 2003. |