The test is used by Dr. Jaydeep Bhatt to aid in the diagnosis of a wide range of neuromuscular and neurological disorders including infections of the brain, multiple sclerosis, specific types of nerve and muscle diseases, cancers of the brain and spinal cord, and hydrocephalus (or "too much water" in the brain).
Dr. Bhatt performs the test in the office with local anesthesia in the lower back to minimize discomfort while the CSF is collected through a needle. Potential side effects include a positional headache that is usually treated with rest, hydration and mild over the counter painkillers.
An office based lumbar puncture is not appropriate for all patients. Suitable patients are identified by Dr. Bhatt only after a careful neurological history and exam. Patients who have had spinal surgery, spinal deformities, or degenerative spine disease may require an X-ray guided LP with a radiologist.
