Lumbar Puncture

At Welbeck, a lumbar puncture is performed as a day-case procedure by one of our experienced neuroradiologists. It typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes to complete, including preparation and recovery time.

Before the procedure, your consultant will review your medical history and explain what will happen. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns.

During the procedure:

1. You’ll be asked to lie on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest, or to sit leaning forward.

2. The skin on your lower back will be cleaned using an antiseptic solution.

3. A local anaesthetic will be injected to numb the area.

4. A thin, sterile needle will be carefully inserted between the bones in your lower spine. C-arm fluoroscopy guidance (a mobile X-ray system providing real-time imaging) will always be used in the majority of cases to help position the needle safely and accurately. In complex cases, the procedure will be done using a CT scan. 

5. Cerebrospinal fluid will be collected into small tubes.

6. In some cases, pressure will be measured using a device called a manometer.

7. The needle will be removed, and a small dressing will be applied.

Most people remain awake throughout the procedure. Sedation is not usually required, but may be considered in certain situations.

Preparing for a lumbar puncture is straightforward, but it’s important to follow your consultant’s instructions carefully.

Before your appointment, you will need to:

• provide details of your medical history and current medications

• inform your consultant if you take blood thinners

• have blood tests to check how well your blood clots

• undergo imaging (such as a CT or MRI scan), if needed

• avoid eating or drinking if sedation is planned

You may also be advised to arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure, particularly if you feel lightheaded afterwards.

Your consultant will confirm all preparation steps in advance to ensure the procedure goes smoothly.

Once the procedure is complete, you’ll remain in the clinic for around 2 hours before going home. During this time, you’ll be monitored by one of our experienced nurses and given post-procedure instructions to help your recovery.

You may experience mild side effects such as a headache or back discomfort. These are common and usually improve within 24 to 48 hours.

To support your recovery:

• rest for the remainder of the day

• drink plenty of fluids

• avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours

• take over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol, if needed

• avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise for 24 hours

Most people feel back to normal within 1 to 2 days. If you experience symptoms such as a severe headache, fever, or any unusual neurological changes, contact us for advice.

Your consultant will arrange a follow-up if needed and will discuss your results once they’re available.

A lumbar puncture is considered a safe procedure, and serious complications are rare. Proper technique, sterile precautions, and pre-procedure assessments help minimise these risks and ensure the procedure is appropriate for you.

Possible risks include:

• headache after the procedure (the most common side effect)

• mild back pain or discomfort at the insertion site

• bruising around the lower back

• infection (rare)

• bleeding (rare)

• nerve irritation or injury (very rare)

Most side effects are mild and settle within a few days. Your consultant will explain what to watch for and when to seek advice.

Please contact our Neurology centre directly for pricing and further details.

At Welbeck, our neurology specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a lumbar puncture, you must be referred by either your GP or a neurologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a neurologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients.