A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, is a procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid to check for the presence of disease or injury. A spinal needle is inserted, usually between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae in the lower spine. Once the needle is   more »

kept thinking that ‘Lumbar Puncture’ sounded so ominous. I knew that lumbar meant the spinal cord and that puncture meant hole. I wondered who would knowingly want to have someone create a hole in any area of their spinal cord. Then I   more »

The fact that MRI systems do not use ionizing radiation is a comfort to many patients, as is the fact that MRI contrast materials have a very low incidence of side effects. Another major advantage of MRI is its ability to image in any plane. CT is   more »