US Medical Term · tests
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
Punción lumbar
Also: Punción espinal (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) |
| Spanish (Español) | Punción lumbar |
| Chinese (中文) | 腰椎穿刺 |
| Korean (한국어) | 요추 천자 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Chọc dịch não tủy |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Lumbar Puncture |
| Portuguese (Português) | Punção lombar |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การเจาะน้ำไขสันหลัง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 腰椎穿刺 |
What it means
A lumbar puncture, commonly called a spinal tap, is a procedure in which a doctor inserts a thin needle between two lower vertebrae to collect a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. You will lie on your side or sit leaning forward while the area is numbed with local anesthetic. The fluid is analyzed for signs of meningitis, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, certain cancers, and other neurological conditions. The procedure takes about 30–45 minutes. Afterward you may experience a headache, which is treated by lying flat and drinking fluids. Results typically take one to three days.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I need a lumbar puncture — can you explain what a spinal tap involves?
Necesito una punción lumbar — ¿puede explicarme en qué consiste?
Will the spinal tap be painful and is there any way to reduce the discomfort?
¿Será dolorosa la punción lumbar y hay alguna forma de reducir las molestias?
After my lumbar puncture, how long do I need to lie flat to avoid a headache?
Después de la punción lumbar, ¿cuánto tiempo debo quedarme acostado para evitar dolor de cabeza?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026