The doctor will insert a special spinal needle in between the bones at the base of the spine. If a child needs to have a lumbar puncture then medication may be given beforehand, to help them relax and keep them calm. This is followed by a sensation of pressure when the anaesthetic is injected a little deeper. There is usually little in the way of discomfort beyond an initial sting when the anaesthetic is injected. Local anaesthetic is then be used to numb the area of skin where the lumbar puncture needle will be inserted. However, this position is not always suitable.Īn antiseptic solution will be applied to the skin at the base of the spine. Sitting while bending forwards is an alternative position, which is often used when spinal anaesthetic is administered. This will help separate the bones in your spine, allowing the needle to be inserted more easily.

You will be asked to curl up, with your knees pulled up and your chin tucked in, so that your spine is curved. In most cases, you will be asked to lie on one side. You will usually change into a hospital gown before the procedure. This will normally be discussed with close relatives, but the final decision is made by medical staff. If it is not possible for you to provide informed consent - for example, if you are unconsciousness or confused, the medical staff may decide to go ahead with the procedure, if it is in your best interests. You will then be asked to provide written consent for it to be carried out. Usually aĪ doctor or a specially trained nurse will explain why the lumbar puncture is required. Preparationīefore having a lumbar puncture, checks will be carried out to make sure the procedure is safe for you. Lumbar punctures are often carried out after somebody is admitted to hospital in an emergency, but they are also often arranged in advance and carried out on a day-case basis. However, you should seek medical advice if you develop a temperature or sensitivity to bright lights, or if the lumbar puncture site becomes painful and swollen. The likelihood of a lumbar puncture causing an infection in the spine is also very small. In most cases, the benefits of the lumbar puncture far outweigh this risk. There is a small risk of a lumbar puncture leading to bleeding inside the head, although this is very rare. If post-lumbar puncture headaches persist, are particularly severe, or are accompanied by sickness and vomiting, the hospital that carried out the procedure should be contacted. Some people have also reported that drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea and or cola, have helped reduce the discomfort.

Nerve pain after lumbar puncture