 During a lumbar puncture, the doctor collects a sample of cerebrospinal fluid to test for diseases of the brain and spinal cord. For this procedure, you are given a hospital gown to change into and settled comfortably in a private area throughout the procedure. Following the local anesthesia injection into the lower back area, a hollow needle is inserted into your lower spinal cord to collect a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid and the area is then covered with dinoplaster which may be removed the next day. The entire procedure is minimally painful and takes around 15-20 minutes. You are under observation for an hour more. You may leave soon after and be on complete rest for 24 hours while avoiding sitting for long periods for a couple of days.