Lumbar Puncture

Coastal Imaging utilizes a procedure called lumbar puncture, also referred to as a spinal tap, in order to collect cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid, also called CSF, surrounds the brain and spinal cord serving as a cushion. Lumbar punctures involve the careful insertion of a needle into the spinal canal in the lower back to extract a sample of CSF.

Some examples of what this procedure can help diagnose include:

• Severe infections
• Central nervous system disorders
• Cancers involving the brain and spinal cord
• Multiple Sclerosis