Lumbar puncture

Extract

• An emergency sample of cerebrospinal fluid is most often taken when acute central nervous system infection or polyradiculitis is suspected, or to exclude subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) if cranial CT is normal.
• A non-emergency sample is most often taken when central nervous system inflammation, such as MS, neurosarcoidosis or neuroborreliosis, is suspected, as well as in some cases of suspected malignancy.
• Before the procedure, check the ocular fundi to make sure that the optic discs are clearly defined. This signifies normal intracranial pressure and safe puncture.
• The procedure is performed in the lumbar spine area, where there is no spinal cord but a cavity filled with cerebrospinal fluid. This, as well as the course of events, should be explained to the patient beforehand.
• Careful positioning of the patient in the correct position for the procedure is most important for successful lumbar puncture. Sufficient time should be taken for ensuring the correct position.
• Bed rest after lumbar puncture does not prevent post lumbar puncture headache. Should such headache be prolonged, it should primarily be treated by intravenous caffeine infusion in hospital.

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Blood Patch, Epidural, CSF, Cerebrospinal Fluid, G97.0, G97.1, Headache, Intracranial Hypertension, Lumbar puncture, Lyme Neuroborreliosis, Meningitis, Bacterial, Meningitis, Viral, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurology, Papilledema, Post-Dural Puncture Headache, Spinal Puncture, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Syphilis, TPHA, cerebellar herniation, cerebrospinal fluid cytology