Spinal Tap may be required in the following conditions:

• Myelitis
• Meningitis
• Cancer of brain or spinal cord
• Multiple sclerosis
• Subarachoid haemorrhage

Before a Spinal Tap, the following methods of diagnosis need to be performed:

• Myelography
• CT Scan
• MRI

Local anesthesia is administered to anesthetize the skin. A hollow needle is then inserted into the sub-arachnoid space to collect small amount of CSF in test tubes. Any medication if necessary is also administered through it. After the needle is removed, adhesive bandage is placed over the site of injection.

The risks involved in a Spinal Tap procedure are:

• CSF may leak
• Bleeding in the spinal canal
• Tingling, Numbness and Headache

After a Spinal Tap, it is advised that activity is limited for 24 hours.