• Revista de neurologia · Oct 2007

    Review

    [Lumbar puncture: its indications, contraindications, complications and technique].

    • A P Sempere, L Berenguer-Ruiz, M Lezcano-Rodas, F Mira-Berenguer, and M Waez.
    • Servicio de Neurología, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Spain. aperezs@mac.com
    • Rev Neurol. 2007 Oct 1;45(7):433-6.

    IntroductionAlthough first described over 100 years ago, lumbar puncture is still an important tool in the diagnosis of neurological diseases. In this article we review its indications, contraindications, the technique for carrying it out, the analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid and possible complications.DevelopmentThe lumbar puncture has diagnostic and therapeutic indications. The chief diagnostic indications include infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases affecting the central nervous system. Complications are infrequent, except for headaches and low back pain, but can be severe. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid must include a cell count and determination of the glucose and protein concentrations. The other analytical studies of cerebrospinal fluid must be conducted according to the diagnostic suspicion.ConclusionThe lumbar puncture in expert hands is a safe test. The health professional should be suitably familiar with its contraindications, the regional anatomy and the technique used to perform it.

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