What does spinal tap diagnose

At Mayfield, we work with diagnostic testing providers in the Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky region to obtain neurological tests and interpret them with expertise and care.

Patients and referring physicians can rest assured that we will lay the groundwork for a diagnosis of utmost accuracy. To make an appointment call Make an Appointment. Many Mayfield spine patients have the option of same-day, outpatient spine surgery at our spine surgery center. Lumbar puncture spinal tap Overview A lumbar puncture LP , also called a spinal tap, is an invasive outpatient procedure used to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid CSF from the subarachnoid space in the spine.

How does a lumbar puncture work? Many conditions can be detected in the CSF including: infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord meningitis bleeding subarachnoid hemorrhage , stroke viral infection encephalitis tumors lymphoma, cancer autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis In addition to testing for abnormal cells, the CSF pressure can be measured to determine if you have a condition called hydrocephalus.

Who performs the test? This test is performed by a doctor in the office or in the hospital. How should I prepare for the test? What happens during the test? Although the fluid collection only takes a few minutes, the entire test takes about 20 minutes. Mayfield services At Mayfield, we work with diagnostic testing providers in the Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky region to obtain neurological tests and interpret them with expertise and care. Some laboratory test results are available within a couple of hours in an emergency.

Page last reviewed: 19 February Next review due: 19 February Lumbar puncture. It's carried out in hospital by a doctor or specialist nurse. A lumbar puncture is the only way to directly and accurately determine how much inflammation you have in your central nervous system.

It also shows the activity of your immune system in these parts of your body, which is important for diagnosing MS. No special preparation is needed during a spinal tap, but you may want to arrive early to ask any questions you may have about what to expect during the procedure.

During a lumbar puncture , spinal fluid generally is drawn from between your third and fourth lumbar in your lower spine using a spinal needle. The whole procedure typically takes 1 hour. A spinal tap can tell you whether the amount of protein, white blood cells, or myelin in your spinal fluid is too high.

It can also reveal whether the fluid in your spine contains an abnormal level of antibodies. Analyzing your spinal fluid also can show your doctor whether you might have another condition and not MS.

Some viruses can cause signs and symptoms similar to MS. A lumbar puncture should be given along with other tests to confirm a diagnosis. The procedure can reveal issues with your autoimmune system, but other conditions that affect your nervous system, like lymphoma and Lyme disease , can also show high levels of antibodies and proteins in your spinal fluid, hence the need to confirm a diagnosis with additional tests. A spinal tap can reveal an abnormal immune response caused by MS.

However, other conditions can also cause a similar immune response in the spinal fluid. Other tests include an MRI to detect lesions on your brain or spinal cord and an evoked potential test to help detect nerve damage. Finally, a lumbar puncture may be done to inject medicine directly into the spinal cord.

These include:. Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend a lumbar puncture. Because this procedure involves the spinal cord and brain, the following complications may occur:. There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure. I f you are having a lumbar puncture at Johns Hopkins Hospital or Bayview Medical Center, a neuroradiologist or radiology nurse will contact you by phone two or three days prior to your lumbar puncture to discuss the procedure and answer any questions you may have.

Please inform the neuroradiology physician if:. Other options should be discussed with you and your doctor. A gown will be provided for you. However, the procedure may also be done while you remain in your clothes from home. For this reason, try to wear non-restrictive, comfortable clothing and slip on shoes if possible. Please remove all piercings and leave all jewelry and valuables at home. If you are not sure if it is safe for you, contact your primary care provider or referring provider.

However, on the day of the procedure, do not eat for three hours before the procedure. You may have liquids and can take your usual medications unless previously advised to hold certain medications in preparation for the lumbar puncture.

Please bring a current list of your medications and allergies with you. This is for your safety and comfort. A lumbar puncture procedure may be done on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital.

Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor's practices. Some healthcare providers may prefer to do this procedure at the bedside or may opt to have it done using a type of live X-ray called fluoroscopic guidance. You may have discomfort during a lumbar puncture. Your healthcare providers will use all possible comfort measures and complete the procedure as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort or pain.

This helps reduce the incidence of a headache. You will be allowed to roll from side to side as long as your head is not elevated.

If you need to urinate, you may need to do so in a bedpan or urinal during the time that you need to stay flat. You will be asked to drink extra fluids to rehydrate after the procedure.