Definition

Noun: A medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the lower part of the spinal canal to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or to administer medication. It is performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Usage

The term "lumbar puncture" is used exclusively as a noun to refer to the medical procedure itself. - The doctor ordered a lumbar puncture to test for meningitis. - A lumbar puncture can also be used to administer spinal anesthesia.

Advanced Usage

• "To perform a lumbar puncture": This is the standard phrasing for describing the action of carrying out the procedure.
  • The neurologist will perform a lumbar puncture this afternoon.
• "To undergo a lumbar puncture": This phrasing is used from the patient's perspective.
  • The patient had to undergo a lumbar puncture for diagnosis.

Variants and Related Words

• Spinal Tap: This is a common synonym for "lumbar puncture," used frequently in informal and patient-centered communication.
  • The test, often called a spinal tap, confirmed the diagnosis.

Synonyms

• Spinal puncture: A less common but technically accurate synonym.
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis: This phrase describes the primary diagnostic purpose of the procedure rather than the procedure itself.

Related Phrases

• Diagnostic lumbar puncture: Specifies the procedure is done to obtain information about a disease.
  • A diagnostic lumbar puncture revealed high protein levels.
• Therapeutic lumbar puncture: Specifies the procedure is done to treat a condition, such as to relieve pressure or deliver drugs.
  • A therapeutic lumbar puncture was performed to reduce intracranial pressure.

Noun

1. removal by centesis of fluid from the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region of the spinal cord for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes