Lumbar puncture

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Also known as a spinal tap

What it is

A lumbar puncture is performed to see if there are cancer cells or an infection in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord.

How it’s done

• A child will usually lay on his or her side, chin tucked to the chest and knees pulled up to the chest.
• In some cases, older children can sit up and curl the back by tucking the chin to the chest.
• When the back is in a curved position, a needle can be placed between the bones of the spine (vertebrae) below the level of the spinal cord.
• Fluid from the spinal canal can then be removed through the needle and collected into a tube that is sent to a laboratory to be tested.
• For some types of cancer, chemotherapy may be given into the spinal canal through the same needle after the cells are removed for testing.

Effects

Some risks are associated with a lumbar punctures.

• Pain is the most common risk
• Headache or backache after the test, less common
• Infection in the spinal fluid after the test, uncommon
• Bleeding under the skin where the needle was placed, uncommon

Support

• It is important for the child to lie as still as possible during a spinal tap. A staff member will help the child get into the proper position and support that position throughout the procedure.
• Numbing medicines and sometimes, sedation, can minimize pain and anxiety.
• Lying still can be stressful for children. Rehearsing the position before the test can help the child feel more in control and understand what he or she needs to do.
• The more the child understands what to expect the easier, this procedure will be.
• Should the child experience severe headache or fever following the procedure, notify the healthcare team.

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