lumabpunktion

Lumabpunktion, commonly known as lumbar puncture or spinal tap, is a medical procedure used to access cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by inserting a needle into the lumbar subarachnoid space. The standard entry is the L3-L4 or L4-L5 interspace, and the patient is typically positioned lying on the side or seated.

Indications include diagnostic CSF analysis for suspected meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage when imaging is nondiagnostic, and the evaluation of inflammatory or malignant diseases. Opening pressure can be measured, and CSF is collected for tests such as cell counts, glucose, protein, culture, and PCR. The procedure may also be used for therapeutic intrathecal administration of medications (for example antibiotics or chemotherapy) and for spinal anesthesia in certain surgical or obstetric procedures.

Contraindications include suspected raised intracranial pressure with risk of brain herniation, infection at the puncture site, systemic infection, and coagulopathy or very low platelets. Inability to cooperate or lie still, and certain spinal deformities, may also preclude the procedure or require special techniques.

Risks and complications are typically minor but can include post-lumbar puncture headache, back pain, bleeding, and infection. Rare but serious risks include nerve injury or brain herniation in patients with undiagnosed intracranial pathology. Aftercare usually involves lying flat for several hours, maintaining hydration, and monitoring for worsening headache, fever, or neurological changes.