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from Section 5.3 - Practical Central Nervous System
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 July 2023
Key Learning Points
1. A lumbar puncture (LP) is a useful and extremely valuable investigation and should always be considered early.
2. LPs carry a morbidity risk, and patients should be screened for contraindications before performing the procedure.
3. Performing an LP in the sitting-up position is likely to be easier than in the lateral position; however, it does prevent all the tests from being done and may not be as well tolerated by the patient (particularly the acutely meningitic patient).
4. The risk of post-dural puncture headache can be minimised by using the smallest possible ‘non-cutting’ needle.
5. Ensure to send all samples that may be required and do not forget a paired serum glucose.
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