Re: Spinal Tap

Posted By CCF Neuro MD msf on October 29, 1998 at 18:02:45:

In Reply to: Spinal Tap posted by Christina on October 29, 1998 at 17:28:44:






I am scheduled to have a spinal tap at the Cleveland Clinic and I was wondering what the procedure for this type of test is.  I am being checked for further medical proof og multiple sclerosis.  What can this test tell us?
I really appreciate any information you can give me on this procedure.
Chris
Dear Chris,
Thank you for your question. The procedure for a spinal tap is rather simple. A spinal tap consists in taking a small quantity of your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF = the fluid which bathes your spinal cord and your brain). It requires a little preparation, i.e. installing you comfortably, cleaning the area (your lower back), and usually performing a local anesthesia. After this, a needle is carefully inserted between two of your lumbar vertebrae, in order to access the "canal" in which the CSF is contained. After we get the CSF, the needle is removed and...that's it. This requires a long needle, but you don't get to see it if you don't want to, since everything is done in your back... After the spinal tap, it is recommended to lay down for a while, to minimize the risk of headaches, which can occur ofter this procedure, but which go away rapidly in most cases.
The analysis of your CSF can reveal signs of inflammation of your nervous system, and some of them are rather specific of MS. So this procedure can help make the diagnosis.
I hope this helped. Remember that this information is disclosed only for the purpose of general medical education.