What is a spinal tap (lumbar puncture)?
A spinal tap, also called lumbar puncture, is done to measure the amount of pressure in the spinal canal and/or to remove a small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) for testing. Cerebral spinal fluid is the fluid that bathes your child’s brain and spinal cord. In some cases, a spinal tap may also be done so medication can be injected into the spinal fluid, or to remove excess CSF in babies with hydrocephalus (a condition in which there is an overproduction or lack of absorption of the cerebral spinal fluid that is found inside the ventricles, fluid-filled areas, inside of the brain). A special needle will be used for the spinal tap. Getting ready for the test: Your child will lie on his/her side on a table and be asked to “curl up in a tight ball.” Alternatively, he/she may be asked to lean over a table and grab his/her ankles. A technician or nurse will stand beside your child to help him/her hold very still and explain what the physician is doing. Remaining still is very important
