Hi usually a lumber puncture (LP) is done in the lower lumbar spine by inserting a Lumber Puncture Needle from back under aseptic conditions .The area where LP is done is throughly cleaned beforeLP is done .small local anesthesia may be pushed in thr muscle whre LP is done to avoid local pain Patient is made to lie down in left lateral position LP needle is inserted till spinal canal and once spinal fluid comes out through needle it means the LP needle tip is in the canal .The desired quantity of local anesthetic is pushed inside and needle is taken out and area is sealed to avoid leakage. It blocks all sensation below the waist The whole procedure is almost pain less The advantage is patient is fully conscious can eat and drink soon after procedure no danger associated with general anesthesia. The only discomfort is that lower part remain paralysed for few hours It is safe than general anesthesia take care Dr Lal Psychiatrist