

This condition causes pressure in the subarachnoid space to increase.Ī spinal tap may be used to measure the pressure of the CSF. This is also called idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). A spinal tap may be done to diagnose inflammatory conditions that can cause a headache. The diseases include multiple sclerosis and acute demyelination polyneuropathy. These diseases attack the protective coating that surrounds certain nerve fibers. This is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the nervous system.ĭemyelinating diseases. This is an inflammation of the spinal cord. This is a disease that causes severe problems with the brain and other organs. The test can look for bleeding in the area between the brain and the tissues that cover it. These are cancers of the brain and spinal cord.

This is an inflammation of the brain that is usually caused by a virus.Ĭertain cancers. The inflammation is usually caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.Įncephalitis. This is an inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. It may be done to diagnose problems such as: Why might my child need a spinal tap?Ī spinal tap may be done for many reasons. The test usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Within a few hours, your child’s body will make new fluid to replace what is removed. The test does not damage the spinal cord or nerves.

He or she removes a small sample of CSF from the spinal canal to be tested in a lab. The healthcare provider does a spinal tap by putting a needle into the lower back area. The test also measures the pressure in the spinal canal. CSF is a fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture) for Children What is a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) for children?Ī spinal tap (lumbar puncture) is a test that checks the health of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
