Lumbar puncture factsheet

Introduction

A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, is a test where a doctor uses a needle to collect a small sample of fluid from your child’s lower back. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which moves around the brain and spine. The needle does not go near the spinal cord.

A lumbar puncture is usually used to find out if your child has an infection of the lining or the fluid around their brain, called meningitis.

Lumbar punctures can also be used to:

give medicine, anaesthesia or special dye for X-rays
relieve pressure around the brain for some conditions.

Before the test

Your child’s treatment team will tell you how to prepare, including:

what time to arrive
what to bring and wear
when your child needs to stop eating and drinking, if needed.

You will also get information about rare risks, including:

infection
nerve injury.

The needle is placed below the spinal cord, so there is no risk of harm to the spinal cord.

If your child is very anxious about the test, they may be given medicine to help them relax. A local anaesthetic patch can be placed on the lower back to numb the skin. This takes about 30 minutes to work.

During the test

Your child will need to stay very still during the test. This is to make sure the needle is placed safely. A nurse may gently help hold your child if needed.

Generally, the steps of a lumbar puncture are:

your child lies on their side, curled up with knees tucked under their chin
the skin on the lower back is cleaned
a needle is carefully placed into a spot in the lower back
a few drops of CSF are collected into small tubes
the needle is removed, and a bandage is applied.

After the test

If the test is checking for infection, results will usually come back in a few hours.

It’s common for your child to have some soreness or swelling where the needle went in. This should go away in a few days.

Some children get a spinal headache. This can feel like a dull, throbbing pain when standing or moving around.

Encourage your child to:

lie down and rest
move slowly
drink plenty of fluids.

Management

Supporting your child during a lumbar puncture

It’s normal for children to feel scared about procedures. You can help your child by:

staying with them if possible
answering their questions in simple, honest language
encouraging them to ask the doctor or nurse questions
using distractions like:
- music
- a favourite toy
- a show or movie
- singing together

Child Life Therapy can offer more ideas to support your child. If you can’t stay during the test, a nurse or doctor will support them.

When to seek help

If your child has a sore back or headache afterwards, you can give over-the-counter pain relief. Always follow the instructions on the packet.

Speak to your local doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 as soon as possible if:

the headache gets worse
the headache doesn’t go away.