lumbar puncture

noun

: puncture of the subarachnoid space in the lumbar region of the spinal cord to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid or inject anesthetic drugs

Examples of lumbar puncture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Not a muscle spasm, after all, but a post lumbar puncture headache. Katie Gutierrez, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024 The dura can be damaged from head injuries or punctured during surgical procedures involving the sinuses, brain or spine, such as lumbar puncture, epidurals, spinal anesthesia or myelogram. Danielle Wilhour, Discover Magazine, 15 Aug. 2024 If meningitis is suspected, the healthcare provider will obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using a lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap). Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 2 July 2024 Pen-and-paper cognitive tests remain the most common diagnostic method; only 2 percent of patients undergo the gold standard test—lumbar puncture and PET brain scans. João Medeiros, WIRED, 24 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for lumbar puncture 

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lumbar puncture was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near lumbar puncture

Cite this Entry

“Lumbar puncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lumbar%20puncture. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

lumbar puncture

noun
: puncture of the subarachnoid space in the lumbar region of the spinal cord to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid or inject anesthetic drugs

called also spinal tap

More from Merriam-Webster on lumbar puncture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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