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Why Is a Lumbar Puncture Typically Necessary?

Lumbar puncture is most often used to help diagnose a number of conditions by analyzing the cerebrospinal fluids content.

To prepare for the procedure:

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What Should I Expect During a Lumbar Puncture?

What to know before a lumbar puncture, let your doctor know if you’re on any prescriptions, inform your doctor if pregnant, drink more liquids, fast for three hours lie down for 1 hour, no driving for 24 hours afterward, illustration of lumbar puncture

For a successful lumbar puncture, follow this checklist.

Your lumbar puncture appointment will take several hours.

It may also be done to administer specific medications.

The procedure involves inserting a hollow needle between two vertebrae to reach the spinal canal.

What to know before a lumbar puncture, let your doctor know if you’re on any prescriptions, inform your doctor if pregnant, drink more liquids, fast for three hours lie down for 1 hour, no driving for 24 hours afterward, illustration of lumbar puncture

Lumbar puncture can cause minor side effects like headaches and temporary back pain.

Rest and adequate fluid intake afterward can alleviate discomfort.

Joseph Bennington-Castro is a science writer based in Hawaii.

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