Lumbar Puncture

Instrument: Sterile spinal needle with stillete, 22 – gauge (black), length according to age (1.5‐3.5 inch)

  • Diagnostic

    CNS infections like meningitis, encephalitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, pseudotumor cerebri, inflammatory CNS diseases like Guillain – Barre syndrome.

    • nstillation of intrathecal dye for imaging procedures (e.g. myelography)
    • Measurement of CSF pressure.
  • Therapeutic

    Instillation of intrathecal medications (e.g. chemotherapeutic CNS prophylaxis in leukemia, tetanus immunoglobulin in tetanus.

  • Spinal anesthesia
  • Written informed consent.
  • Position: lateral position with flexed knee/ hip joint / sitting position in elder children Preparation of the parts: Site - L2 – L3 / L3- L4

During the procedure

  • Give local anesthesia
  • A L.P. needle is inserted in vertebral space
  • Through the spinal membrane (dura) and to reach the subarachnoid space.
  • CSF is collected in sterile containers.
  • The needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered with a bandage.
  • Elevated Intracranial pressure owing to a suspected mass lesion of the brain or spinal cord. (So fundus examination & head CT are mandatory)
  • Severe respiratory distress & shock etc. as that may worsen with positioning in flexion.
  • Thrombocytopenia. (˂ 20,000 cells/mm3)
  • Local infection at the site
  • Post LP headache and backache
  • Latrogenic meningitis
  • Cerebral herniation in sudden drop of elevated intracranial pressure.

Consult with our experienced Doctors

JNU is home to some of the most eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective arenas and are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary procedures
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