What a Spinal Tap or Lumbar Puncture is:
A long, thin, hollow needle is inserted between two vertebrae in the lower spine and into the space where the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) circulates. CSF is obtained by doing a lumbar puncture or “spinal tap.” One to two tablespoonfuls of the fluid are then withdrawn.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless liquid which bathes the central nervous system. Primarily, CSF cushions the brain within the skull and serves as a shock absorber for the central nervous system. CSF also circulates nutrients and chemicals filtered from the blood and removes waste products from the brain. Examining CSF can be useful in diagnosing MS and many other diseases of the nervous system.
A lumbar puncture is performed to check for special proteins in the CSF called immunoglobulins. These proteins are produced by something called ‘B lymphocytes’. B lymphocytes are overactive in the central nervous system of a person with Multiple Sclerosis; therefore a high level of immunoglobulins in the spinal fluid is an indicator of MS.
Some people are understandably reluctant to undergo this test because it involves discomfort. In addition, people sometime have headaches for a few days afterward. However, the information obtained can be extremely helpful in sorting out cases where the MRI results are inconclusive. I was one of those people who was reluctant to undergo this test, in truth, I was very reluctant.
This information was compiled and paraphrased from various sources and the following book:
Multiple Sclerosis
The Facts You Need
By: Dr. Paul O’Connor
Compliments of:
Shared Solutions
1-800-263-0034
www.sharedsolutions.ca