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Lumbar puncture
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<p>Lumbar puncture (LP), also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the <a href="/facts/Spinal_canal/hjqaTmyE">spinal canal</a>, most commonly to collect <a href="/facts/Cerebrospinal_fluid/tcWG7hhv">cerebrospinal fluid</a> (CSF) for diagnostic testing. The main reason for a <a href="/facts/Lumbar/tFvq7Kgm">lumbar</a> puncture is to help <a href="/facts/Diagnose/VcsPwshd">diagnose</a> diseases of the <a href="/facts/Central_nervous_system/k8I6To97">central nervous system</a>, including the brain and spine. Examples of these conditions include <a href="/facts/Meningitis/4m4STzJB">meningitis</a> and <a href="/facts/Subarachnoid_hemorrhage/otbJ6CcK">subarachnoid hemorrhage</a>. It may also be used <a href="/facts/Therapeutic/2ytkGbgT">therapeutically</a> in some conditions. Increased <a href="/facts/Intracranial_pressure/GVyhAWpH">intracranial pressure</a> (pressure in the skull) is a contraindication, due to risk of brain matter being compressed and pushed toward the spine. Sometimes, lumbar puncture cannot be performed safely (for example due to a <a href="/facts/Bleeding_diathesis/dSAhJER0">severe bleeding tendency</a>). It is regarded as a safe procedure, but <a href="/facts/Post-dural-puncture_headache/fhSnSIgP">post-dural-puncture headache</a> is a common side effect if a small atraumatic needle is not used. </p><p>The procedure is typically performed under <a href="/facts/Local_anesthesia/MuvfJReD">local anesthesia</a> using a <a href="/facts/Aseptic_technique/LwhPKr7d">sterile technique</a>. A <a href="/facts/Hypodermic_needle/EJEUNyRK">hypodermic needle</a> is used to access the <a href="/facts/Subarachnoid_space/IcxhShYH">subarachnoid space</a> and collect fluid. Fluid may be sent for <a href="/facts/Biochemistry/fa2pWEBp">biochemical</a>, <a href="/facts/Microbiology/k7udsq81">microbiological</a>, and <a href="/facts/Cytopathology/za3sn0Jt">cytological</a> analysis. Using <a href="/facts/Ultrasound/31Pa5IH9">ultrasound</a> to landmark may increase success. </p><p>Lumbar puncture was first introduced in 1891 by the German physician <a href="/facts/Heinrich_Quincke/bKSu2QVD">Heinrich Quincke</a>. </p>