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
This can help determine whether the convulsive episodes were caused by epilepsy or another disorder.6
If meningitis is suspected, the doctor may order a lumbar puncture in which a needle is inserted into the lower spine to extract a sample of fluid.
—
Diana Apetauerova, Verywell Health, 24 July 2023
Some trials also asked patients to undergo successive lumbar punctures.
—AZCentral.com, 27 June 2023
These tests include either a PET scan or a lumbar puncture, otherwise known as a spinal tap.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 10 July 2023
After months of cognitive tests and a lumbar puncture to assess spinal fluid, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
—Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 10 July 2023
That is determined by amyloid PET scans - which can cost thousands of dollars and aren’t covered by Medicare except in a limited way in clinical trials - or lumbar punctures, also known as a spinal taps.
—Laurie McGinley, Anchorage Daily News, 4 July 2023
Meningitis testing includes an MRI and a lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap.
—Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 14 June 2023
The procedure is called a lumbar puncture, aka a spinal tap.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 15 Apr. 2023
This hollow needle goes in between two vertebrae (back bones) in your lower spine, and a fluid sample is collected.3 Like with the blood test, there are very few risks to having a lumbar puncture.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 15 Apr. 2023
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Diana Apetauerova, Verywell Health, 24 July 2023
Some trials also asked patients to undergo successive lumbar punctures.
—AZCentral.com, 27 June 2023
These tests include either a PET scan or a lumbar puncture, otherwise known as a spinal tap.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 10 July 2023
After months of cognitive tests and a lumbar puncture to assess spinal fluid, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
—Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 10 July 2023
That is determined by amyloid PET scans - which can cost thousands of dollars and aren’t covered by Medicare except in a limited way in clinical trials - or lumbar punctures, also known as a spinal taps.
—Laurie McGinley, Anchorage Daily News, 4 July 2023
Meningitis testing includes an MRI and a lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap.
—Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 14 June 2023
The procedure is called a lumbar puncture, aka a spinal tap.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 15 Apr. 2023
This hollow needle goes in between two vertebrae (back bones) in your lower spine, and a fluid sample is collected.3 Like with the blood test, there are very few risks to having a lumbar puncture.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 15 Apr. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lumbar puncture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1895, in the meaning defined above
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 10 Dec. 2023.
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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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lumbar puncture
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