Lumbar Puncture: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Lumbar Puncture?
A specialist, such as a neurologist (a doctor who treats brain and nerve conditions), usually orders a lumbar puncture. It is usually done in a hospital. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A lumbar puncture involves putting a needle into your lower back, between the bones in your spine. It is also called a spinal tap. It is the most common way to get a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF. CSF is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A lumbar puncture may be used to do the following.
- Find out if symptoms are caused by a brain or spine condition
- Treat a condition, such as an infection or some types of cancer
Testing the fluid can help diagnose certain brain and nerve disorders, including infections and brain or spinal cord damage.
How to prepare
- You will need to give your consent before the test.
- Tell your provider if you take aspirin or any other blood-thinning medicines.
- Some people need to stop certain medicines for a short time before the test, so follow your doctor's instructions.
- Tell the doctor or nurse if you are worried about needles.
What happens during it
You lie on your side with your knees pulled up toward your chest and your chin tucked down. After your back is cleaned, the provider injects a local numbing medicine, called an anesthetic, into your lower spine. The fluid is collected in small tubes and sent to a lab for testing. The needle is removed and a bandage is placed over the needle site.
Staying still is important, because movement may lead to injury of the spinal cord. The numbing medicine will sting or burn when first injected, and you will feel hard pressure when the needle goes in.
Recovery
- Plan to rest for several hours, even if you feel fine, to help prevent fluid from leaking around the puncture site.
- It can take a few days to recover, and for some people it can take longer.
- If you get a headache, drinking caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea or soda may help.
Risks and side effects
Common side effects include a headache and back pain. Bleeding or clear fluid leaking from the needle site, and swelling there, can also happen. These side effects are common and should go away after a few days.
Complications are extremely rare. They can include long-term back pain, infection, and nerve damage. Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord may occur, particularly if you move during the test.
Brain damage or death can result if the test is done on a person with a mass in the brain, such as a tumor or abscess. The test is not done if an exam or test shows signs of a brain mass.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your arms or legs feel weak or numb, you have trouble urinating or having a bowel movement, or you feel confused. Also call 911 if you have bleeding that will not stop.
Get urgent medical advice after a lumbar puncture if you have any of the following.
- Severe pain
- A headache that does not go away
- A high temperature
- Sweating more than usual
- Clear fluid leaking from the needle site for more than 1 week
Who performs it
A doctor or nurse performs the lumbar puncture. You are usually referred to have one by a specialist.
Common questions
Does a lumbar puncture hurt?
A lumbar puncture may feel uncomfortable. Tell the doctor if you are in pain.
How long does a lumbar puncture take?
In most cases, the procedure takes about 30 minutes. The actual pressure measurements and fluid collection only take a few minutes.
When do I get the results?
You may get your results in a few days, but sometimes it can take a few weeks.
Can I go back to normal activities after a lumbar puncture?
Not right away, because you should plan to rest for several hours, even if you feel fine. Do not do physical work, heavy lifting, or play sports until you feel well enough.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
