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What is a lumbar puncture?
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A lumbar puncture is a procedure used to remove cerebrospinal fluid from the spine. It is typically performed by a medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse, in order to diagnose certain conditions of the brain and spinal cord. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the lower back, usually between the L3 and L4 vertebrae, and then removing a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid. This can be done with local anesthetic or without any anesthesia at all. After the procedure, the patient may experience some mild discomfort but should recover quickly.