A Spinal Tap, also called a Lumbar Puncture, is done to diagnose a disease such as meningitis, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, or the elevated Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) pressure found in pseudo-tumor cerebri. The patient usually will go home after the procedure, but he should lie flat for a few hours after the test to prevent a headache.

During the procedure, a small amount of CSF is removed by inserting a needle into the in the lumbar portion (the "small") of the back. CSF surrounds the brain and spinal cord,and helps to protect the brain from injury.

More Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture) information

If you have any questions, please call our Germantown office at (901) 405-0275.