lumbar puncture

noun

Medicine/Medical. puncture into the arachnoid membrane of the spinal cord, in the lumbar region, and withdrawal of spinal fluid, performed for diagnosis of the fluid, injection of dye for imaging, or administration of anesthesia or medication.

lumbar puncture

med insertion of a hollow needle into the lower region of the spinal cord to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid, introduce drugs, etc

lumbar puncture

The insertion of a hollow needle beneath the arachnoid membrane of the spinal cord in the lumbar region to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic purposes or to administer medication.

First recorded in 1890–95

Examination of the fluid obtained by lumbar puncture is of value in diagnosis of certain forms of meningitis.

Lumbar puncture should always be performed as an aid to diagnosis.

Lumbar puncture, venesection, or the application of leeches over the temple or behind the ear may be employed with benefit.

Examination of the fluid withdrawn by lumbar puncture may furnish useful information (p. 338).

Lumbar puncture may reveal the presence of blood corpuscles in the cerebro-spinal fluid, and increase in the tension of the fluid.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

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