Lignocaine 2% at the lower border of L3, and then the spinal needle is introduced at the same site of injection

Before lumbar puncture is performed, the patient needs to be anesthetized in order to reduce local pain at the site of spinal tap. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that can be used in spinal injection. If the amount of lidocaine is insufficient then a 10-mL syringe can also be used with 1% lidocaine. The person providing the anesthesia needs to ensure that the maximum dose of lidocaine is not more than 4.5 mg/kg. lidocaine is a fast acting drug however the effects wear off within two hours. Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid that can be given with local anesthesia in order to provide best possible pain relief.