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 According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, only 20% to 50% of people with the disease receive a formal diagnosis, and that’s just in high-income countries. Not to mention, current diagnostic tests — lumbar punctures and PET scans — are extremely expensive and invasive. Julia Daye, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2024 But there were no clear signs of infection on any of his tests, besides the lumbar test, which could have just been caused by a traumatic lumbar puncture. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2024 But currently, the two primary ways to diagnose Alzheimer’s—PET imaging or a lumbar puncture—are either too expensive or invasive for most people, leaving too many cases undiagnosed. TIME, 24 Jan. 2024 Other tests may include tissue sampling or a spinal tap called a lumbar puncture during which fluid is removed from two bones in the lower spine for testing. Clare Fisher, Peoplemag, 11 Jan. 2024 Health care providers are advised to give anyone exposed a lumbar puncture to look for signs of infection. Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 30 June 2023 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

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

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 29 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!