A suboccipital puncture or cisternal puncture is a diagnostic procedure that can be performed in order to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for biochemical, microbiological, and cytological analysis, or rarely to relieve increased intracranial pressure.

What are the complications of cisternal puncture?

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is the commonest major complication of cisternal puncture, with at least 30 reported fatalities. Other serious complications result from direct puncture of brain substance.

What is a cervical puncture?

Lateral cervical puncture involves the placement of a spinal needle into the C1-C2 interspace, posterior and inferior to the vertebral artery. The vertebral artery ascends through the foramina in the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae beginning at the sixth cervical vertebra.