Lumbar Puncture

Each year almost a million people worldwide will have to have a lumbar puncture (or spinal tap) test performed.   A lumbar puncture (also called LP) is a test where a needle is put into the lower back to obtain a sample of fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (or CSF).   The usual reason for the test is […]

To keep discomfort from an LP to a minimum, it is important to be fully aware of the range of experiences an LP may bring.  Having performed many LPs in his career, he would vouch that many patients will have virtually no pain, except for the sting of local anaesthetic injection.  “There is no doubt that […]