What is Lumbar Drain

Lumbar drain is a thin, soft, flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted in the lower back (lumbar area) through the lining (dura) of the spinal cord.

The spinal cord and the brain (central nervous system) are surrounded by clear fluid (cerebrospinal fluid, CSF), which nourishes and protects the central nervous system. A lumbar drain is used to drain CSF from the spinal canal.

Why is a lumbar drain needed?

A lumbar drain may be needed to remove CSF or to monitor the pressure of the CSF. Draining the CSF can decrease the pressure around the brain and spinal cord. This decrease in pressure can allow for healing of tears in the lining of the dura.

You may need a lumbar drain after:

• A traumatic injury, such as a car accident.
• Certain types of surgery when the dura is opened, including spine or brain surgery (neurosurgery).

How long will the lumbar drain be in place?

Placement of the drain will require a hospital stay of several days. This is what may happen during the stay:

• You will need to remain still in bed, as told by the health care provider.
• A CSF collection bag will be placed at the bedside.
• A health care provider will check on you every 1–2 hours. He or she will:
  • Examine strength and feeling (sensation) in your legs.
  • Check the CSF drain and collection bag.
  • Check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and breathing rate (vital signs).

Your health care provider will decide when the catheter can be removed. This process may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What are the risks of having a lumbar drain?

Possible problems include:

• Infection of the central nervous system (meningitis).
• Back pain.
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dizziness.
• Numbness, weakness, or partial or complete loss of movement or feeling (paralysis) in the legs.
• Inability to control your urination and bowel movements (incontinence).
• Air in the brain (pneumocephalus).
• A CSF leak that will not stop.
• A blocked drain. This can lead to increased CSF pressure, vision changes, and coma.

What should I know about activity while the drain is in place?

Depending on your condition, your activity may be limited to the bed or chair.

Take actions to prevent falls when you are in the hospital. For example:

• Wear nonslip footwear.
• Remove all clutter from the floor and the sides of the bed.
• Keep the nurse call button where you can reach it.
• Ask for help before you move around.
• Have someone stay in the hospital with you.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You need help changing your position in bed or using the bathroom.
• You have:
  • Leg pain, tingling, or numbness.
  • Back pain.
  • Headache.
  • Chills.
  • A stiff neck.
  • Confusion or dizziness.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Trouble controlling your bladder or bowel.
  • Fluid leaking from your back.

Summary

• A lumbar drain is a thin, soft, flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted in the lower back (lumbar area) through the lining (dura) of the spinal cord.
• A lumbar drain may be needed to remove some fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid, CSF). Another use of a lumbar drain is to monitor the pressure of the CSF.
• Your activity will be limited while the drain is in place. Call for help if you need to change your position in bed, use the bathroom, or move around.