A lumbar puncture and opening pressure measurement can diagnose serious medical conditions such as meningitis and brain bleeding. The procedure involves extracting cerebrospinal fluid with a needle and examining it for diagnosis. High or low pressure can indicate various conditions, and the procedure is often used with other tests. Patients may experience headaches, and it is important to report any adverse effects to a doctor.
A lumbar puncture and opening pressure measurement can be performed to diagnose a number of different, potentially serious medical conditions. These include meningitis and bleeding or swelling of the brain. The connection between a lumbar puncture and opening pressure is purely in the fact that opening pressure is measured when a lumbar puncture is performed.
Often referred to as spinal tapping, a lumbar puncture and opening pressure measurement is a process in which a needle is stuck between two of the bones in the spine to extract a minimal amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless fluid found around the brain and spinal cord. By examining it after lumbar puncture and opening pressure measurement, a number of conditions can be diagnosed.
The lumbar puncture and opening pressure measurement procedure will be performed in doctor’s rooms or in the hospital, as sterile conditions are required to prevent infection. It can be a little inconvenient, but it’s a relatively quick process, usually taking less than an hour. A local anesthetic is usually given to minimize pain when inserting the needle.
The opening pressure refers to the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid upon insertion of the needle and is measured with a manometer. Both opening and closing pressure can be measured. High pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid can indicate a number of conditions including swelling of the brain, hemorrhage, stroke and infections such as meningitis. If the pressure is too low, it could indicate a blockage in the spine.
Once the CSF is removed, a number of properties are examined, each of which allows for the diagnosis of various conditions. The general appearance including cloudiness, color and the presence of blood; amounts of glucose, protein, and blood or cancer cells; and culture of the fluid can be used to help your doctor confirm a specific diagnosis. While lumbar puncture and opening pressure can be used to diagnose many conditions, they are often used in conjunction with other tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Lumbar punctures may be contraindicated in patients with certain medical conditions and taking certain medications, so it is important to discuss this with the treating physician. Pregnancy and breastfeeding should also be reported to the doctor.
After performing a lumbar puncture, the patient is usually asked to lie down for a few hours to minimize the risk of adverse effects. Many people experience headaches after lumbar puncture, which should resolve a couple of days after the procedure. If it is severe or prolonged, or if bleeding at the site, stiffness, numbness or fever occurs, urgent medical attention is needed.
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