A lumbar puncture can help diagnose serious infections, such as meningitis; other disorders of the central nervous system, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome and multiple sclerosis; or cancers of the brain or spinal cord.
What are the indications for lumbar puncture?
Lumbar puncture should be performed for the following indications:
- Suspicion of meningitis.
- Suspicion of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)
- Suspicion of nervous system diseases such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and carcinomatous meningitis.
- Therapeutic relief of pseudotumor cerebri.
What is the most common reason for a lumbar puncture?
A lumbar puncture may be done for various reasons. The most common reason is to remove a small amount of CSF for testing. This can help in the diagnosis of various disorders. The fluid is tested for red and white blood cells, protein, and glucose (sugar).
