Learn about Lumbar Puncture Treatment in Turkey — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Lumbar Puncture and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Lumbar Puncture

A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a diagnostic and therapeutic neurosurgical procedure where a thin needle is carefully inserted into the lower back to access the spinal canal. Performed by a neurosurgeon, it is primarily used to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for laboratory analysis to diagnose conditions like meningitis, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, or certain cancers. It can also be used to measure CSF pressure, administer medications like chemotherapy or anesthesia, or inject contrast dye for imaging studies. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia with the patient lying on their side, and it is a critical tool for evaluating and managing disorders of the central nervous system.

Key Highlights

    Provides a definitive diagnosis for serious neurological infections and inflammatory conditions.Allows for direct measurement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure.Can be used therapeutically to administer medications directly into the spinal canal.Minimally invasive procedure with a relatively short duration.Performed by a specialized neurosurgeon for precision and safety.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Suspected meningitis, encephalitis, or other central nervous system infections.
  • Evaluation for subarachnoid hemorrhage when imaging is inconclusive.
  • Diagnosis of inflammatory conditions like multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Suspected leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (cancer spread to the meninges).
  • Measurement of intracranial pressure (e.g., suspected idiopathic intracranial hypertension).
  • Administration of intrathecal chemotherapy or antibiotics.
  • Spinal anesthesia for certain surgeries.

How to prepare

  • Detailed discussion with the neurosurgeon about the procedure, risks, and benefits.
  • Disclosure of all medications, especially blood thinners (anticoagulants), which may need to be paused.
  • Informing the doctor of any allergies, particularly to local anesthetics or iodine.
  • Fasting may be required for a few hours if sedation is planned.
  • Arranging for someone to drive the patient home after the procedure.
  • Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the hospital or clinic.

Risks & possible complications

  • Post-dural puncture headache (the most common complication).
  • Back discomfort or pain at the needle insertion site.
  • Bleeding (rare, but risk is higher in patients on blood thinners).
  • Infection at the puncture site or, very rarely, meningitis.
  • Nerve root irritation, causing temporary numbness or tingling.
  • Very rare risk of brainstem herniation in patients with significantly raised intracranial pressure.
  • Allergic reaction to the local anesthetic.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Rest lying flat for 1-2 hours post-procedure to reduce headache risk.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to help replenish cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending for 24-48 hours.
  • Pain at the puncture site can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers (as advised by the doctor).
  • Report severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, numbness, or drainage from the site to the doctor immediately.
  • Most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two if no complications arise.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (often outpatient)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for routine recovery; up to 1 week if a headache occurs

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering lumbar puncture in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for lumbar puncture compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 87 – USD 272 0-1 days (often outpatient) ~ 1-2 days for routine recovery; up to 1 week if a headache occurs Know More
Turkey USD 644 – USD 2,013 0-1 days (often outpatient) ~ 1-2 days for routine recovery; up to 1 week if a headache occurs Know More

Top hospitals for Lumbar Puncture in Turkey

These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing lumbar puncture.

Liv Hospital Ankara

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon140 Doctors

Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon38 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

At my age, you worry about...

At my age, you worry about being a bother. Dr. Narayanamurthy never made me feel that way. He explained my medication changes slowly, and his manner was very calming. The clinic at MGM was busy, but he took his time.

Neurosurgeons for Lumbar Puncture

Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform lumbar puncture and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.

Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Savaş Ceylan
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Savaş Ceylan
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Savaş Ceylan
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Savaş Ceylan
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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