Spinal Tap Research
A spinal tap or lumbar puncture is a procedure in which the doctor
obtains spinal fluid in order to diagnose a disease. This is done to
infants to detect meningitis. However, it may be done for many other
conditions in any age group.
After the spinal tap is made, the cerebrospinal fluid is examined
for diagnosis of the problem that was first indicated by the results of
an examination and study of the medical history of the patient. The
spinal fluid is normally clear; if is not colorless and clear it may
disclose serious problems. For example, a cloudy appearance may arise
from white blood cells or bacteria in the spinal fluid that indicate an
infection or meningitis in the brain.
A spinal cord tumor or a nerve disorder is indicated when there is a
high protein level in the spinal fluid. Blood in the fluid may reveal a
brain hemorrhage.
