tests

[Anjil]

I know what an MRI is but what is an LP test

[caregiver222]

The other question in the back of your mind is "Can this be dangerous or painful?" I have had one in the past and experienced mild discomfort for several weeks, however this was unusual. Normally after two or three days there will be no residual. The actual spinal nerves are not touched by the needle. The procedure is not painful, but psychologically stressful. In terms of safety the procedure had a good track record, and I wouldn't worry about being paralyzed. If they requested the procedure, it is probably necessary.

[littlefsuchic]

LP is lumbar puncture. Aka spinal tap. Just had one performed myself.  I was terrified,  but there was nothing to it. No pain @all. However it is not uncommon to get a terrible headache after the procedure. I most definitely would take your physicians advice when they tell you to lay down and relax the remainder of the day. I didn't, and got a horrible headache the following day that lasted about 48 hours! Good luck!

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there and welcome to the medhelp forum. LP is lumbar puncture or examination of the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord.  This is done under strict aseptic precautions to prevent injecting any infection into the spine during examination. Fluid is collected in test tubes and sent for cell count, biochemistry, cultures. It is indicated for diagnostic purposes in bacterial or tubercular meningitis, bleeding in brain, to relieve raised intracranial pressure in pseudotumor cerebri and demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis. I hope this helps. Best wishes and do take care.

[selmaS]

  A lumbar puncture (also called a spinal tap) is a procedure to collect and look at the fluid (cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

During a lumbar puncture, a needle is carefully inserted into the spinal canal low in the back (lumbar area). Samples of CSF are collected. The samples are studied for color, blood cell counts, protein, glucose, and other substances. Some of the sample may be put into a special culture cup to see if any infection, such as bacteria or fungi, grows. The pressure of the CSF also is measured during the procedure.


There are many different reasons y this test would be ordered, most likely u know why the MRI was ordered and this is a 2 part to follow that up.