What type of doctors are authorized to perform lumbar punctures Ex internal medicine radiologists etc?

Answer 1

Lumbar puncture is usually done by neurologists for diagnostic purposes (for example: meningitis, encephalitis, Guillain Barre Syndrome), or follow up, or to administer chemotherapeutic drugs (in leukemia, for instance). Anesthesiologists also perform this procedure for a technique called spinal anesthesia where you can have your body operated while you are fully awake (commonly done in delivering a baby)

Radiologists are also familiar with this procedure, since a certain kind of radiology examination (myelography) requires a contrast solution to be entered to the spinal canal.