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A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is performed In order to diagnose diseases including brain haemorrhage, meningitis, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, myelitis, and malignancies like leukemia. Dementia, autoimmune diseases, and extra cerebrospinal fluid can also be detected by. It also relieves pressure inside the skull and is used to administer drugs, regional anesthesia or contrast dye for imaging.

Following lumbar puncture, you should consult a physician if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, stiff neck, disorientation, or trouble walking; numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs; loss of bladder or bowel control; or a severe or ongoing headache, particularly when sitting or standing.

Before performing lumbar puncture, your doctor will examine you, go over your medical history, and maybe prescribe imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan or blood tests. You’ll receive specific instructions regarding food, drink, and medications. If you have allergies, particularly to local anesthesia, or take blood thinners, let your doctor know.

A local anesthesia is injected into your lower back to numb the area during a lumbar puncture. The cerebrospinal fluid is then collected and pressure is measured by inserting a tiny needle into the spinal canal between the lower vertebrae. There may be some pressure on you, and you may need to adjust your position somewhat. Following sample collection, the needle is pulled out and a bandage is put on.Ultrasound guidance may be used for infants and young children.

The duration of a lumbar puncture is around 15 to 30 minutes.

Swelling and bleeding due to infection
Pain in the lower back

Accurate diagnosis by examining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) it assists in the detection of some malignancies, meningitis, multiple sclerosis, and bleeding.
It gives a guided treatment.
Relief of elevated intracranial (brain & spinal cord) pressure.

To avoid headaches, patients are encouraged to lie flat and drink plenty of water after a lumbar puncture. Headaches and mild back pain are common and typically go away with rest and over-the-counter medicine. Contact a doctor if severe symptoms like intense headache, fever, or numbness occur.

A lumbar puncture (LP) usually has a success rate of 50% to 80%, while some studies have found success rates as high as 81.3%.

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Werndale Hospital

Carmarthen, United Kingdom

The Circle Werndale Hospital offers patients from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion access to private facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. The 27 beds of Circle Werndale Hospital are all private and comfortable, with en suite bathrooms, satellite TV, and phones.

The specialists can perform a variety of operations, from simple investigations to intricate surgeries, thanks to these facilities, the newest equipment, and on-site support services. With committed nursing teams and resident medical officers on duty around the clock, this specialized knowledge is backed by compassionate and skilled medical personnel who offer care in a welcoming and comfortable setting.

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Dr. Abdullah Rahil

MPT (Neuro)

5 Years of Experience

Dr. Abdullah Rahil, M.P.T. (Neurology), is a dedicated physiotherapy professional specializing in orthopedic, neurological, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. With strong clinical expertise, he focuses on improving patient mobility, reducing pain, and restoring functional independence through evidence-based rehabilitation techniques. He is skilled in advanced therapeutic approaches that support effective rehabilitation and recovery for a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, focusing on improving mobility, reducing pain, and restoring functional independence. Dr. Rahil has extensive experience managing diverse rehabilitation cases. His patient-centered approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans, continuous assessment, and comprehensive rehabilitation to achieve optimal recovery outcomes. . View More

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⁠Dr Rakesh Kumar Dua

Spine & Neurosurgeon

25 Years of Experience

Dr. Rakesh Dua has more than 25+ years of clinical experience in spine surgeries. He is currently providing his services as Director, Neuro & Spine Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh. Before joining Fortis Hospital, he was associated with Max super-specialist Hospital, Shalimar Bagh as Director Neurosurgery & Head Neuro Spine, and with UCMS & GTB hospital as head of the neurosurgery department. View More

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