insertion of a hollow needle into the lower region of the spinal cord to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid, introduce drugs, etc
lumbar puncture in American English
noun
Medicine
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
Also called: spinal tap
Word origin
[1890–95]
Examples of 'lumbar puncture' in a sentence
lumbar puncture
A painful lumbar puncture was followed by five days of lying in the dark.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Nusinersen is administered through a lumbar puncture.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
A lumbar puncture draws off fluid from your spinal cord.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
They weren't sure what was going on, so they did a lumbar puncture and took fluid out of my spine, and numerous blood tests.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
I had to have a lumbar puncture, by which spinal fluid was extracted and sent for analysis.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
They should be diagnosed using a lumbar puncture, which involves inserting a needle into the spinal cord, doctors are being advised.
The Sun (2018)
However, it is clear that recent events, perhaps including the lumbar puncture, have stressed your son, and his anxiety levels are now much higher.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Only a painful lumbar puncture revealed he had viral meningitis, an infection in brain fluid.
The Sun (2007)
One in four wait longer than a day for a lumbar puncture - or spinal tap.
The Sun (2018)
I had loads of tests including brain scans and lumbar punctures.