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{{Short description|Procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid}}
{{Short description|Procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid}}
{{About|the medical procedure||Spinal tap (disambiguation){{!}}Spinal tap (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox medical intervention
{{Infobox medical intervention
| Name = Lumbar puncture
| Name = Lumbar puncture
| Image = Thisisspinaltap.jpg
| Image = Thisisspinaltap.jpg
| Caption = Lumbar puncture in a sitting position. The reddish-brown swirls on the patient's back are [[tincture of iodine]] (an [[antiseptic]]).
| Caption = Lumbar puncture in a sitting position. The reddish-brown swirls on the patient's back are [[tincture of iodine]] (an [[antiseptic]]).
| synonyms =Spinal tap
| synonyms =Spinal tap
| ICD9 = {{ICD9proc|03.31}}
| ICD9 = {{ICD9proc|03.31}}
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| eMedicine = 80773}}
| eMedicine = 80773}}


'''Lumbar puncture''' ('''LP'''), also known as a '''spinal tap''', is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the [[spinal canal]], most commonly to collect [[cerebrospinal fluid]] (CSF) for diagnostic testing. The main reason for a [[lumbar]] puncture is to help [[diagnose]] diseases of the [[central nervous system]], including the brain and spine. Examples of these conditions include [[meningitis]] and [[subarachnoid hemorrhage]]. It may also be used [[therapeutic]]ally in some conditions. Increased [[intracranial pressure]] (pressure in the skull) is a contraindication, due to risk of brain matter being compressed and pushed toward the spine. Sometimes, lumbar puncture cannot be performed safely (for example due to a [[bleeding diathesis|severe bleeding tendency]]). It is regarded as a safe procedure, but [[post-dural-puncture headache]] is a common side effect if a small atraumatic needle is not used.<ref name="Maranhao">{{cite journal | last1=Maranhao | first1=B. | last2=Liu | first2=M. | last3=Palanisamy | first3=A. | last4=Monks | first4=D. T. | last5=Singh | first5=P. M. | title=The association between post‐dural puncture headache and needle type during spinal anaesthesia: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis | journal=Anaesthesia | publisher=Wiley | date=2020-12-17 | volume=76 | issue=8 | pages=1098–1110 | issn=0003-2409 | pmid=33332606 | doi=10.1111/anae.15320 | doi-access=free }}</ref>
'''Lumbar puncture''' ('''LP'''), also known as a '''spinal tap''', is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the [[spinal canal]], most commonly to collect [[cerebrospinal fluid]] (CSF) for diagnostic testing. The main reason for a [[lumbar]] puncture is to help [[diagnose]] diseases of the [[central nervous system]], including the brain and spine. Examples of these conditions include [[meningitis]] and [[subarachnoid hemorrhage]]. It may also be used [[therapeutic]]ally in some conditions. Increased [[intracranial pressure]] (pressure in the skull) is a contraindication, due to risk of brain matter being compressed and pushed toward the spine. Sometimes, lumbar puncture cannot be performed safely (for example due to a [[bleeding diathesis|severe bleeding tendency]]). It is regarded as a safe procedure, but [[post-dural-puncture headache]] is a common side effect if a small atraumatic needle is not used.<ref name="Maranhao">{{Cite journal |last1=Maranhao |first1=B. |last2=Liu |first2=M. |last3=Palanisamy |first3=A. |last4=Monks |first4=D. T. |last5=Singh |first5=P. M. |date=2020-12-17 |title=The association between post-dural puncture headache and needle type during spinal anaesthesia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis |journal=Anaesthesia |publisher=Wiley |volume=76 |issue=8 |pages=1098–1110 |doi=10.1111/anae.15320 |issn=0003-2409 |pmid=33332606 |doi-access=free}}</ref>


The procedure is typically performed under [[local anesthesia]] using a [[aseptic technique|sterile technique]]. A [[hypodermic needle]] is used to access the [[subarachnoid space]] and collect fluid. Fluid may be sent for [[biochemistry|biochemical]], [[microbiology|microbiological]], and [[cytopathology|cytological]] analysis. Using [[ultrasound]] to landmark may increase success.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gottlieb |first1=M |last2=Holladay |first2=D |last3=Peksa |first3=GD |title=Ultrasound-assisted Lumbar Punctures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. |journal=Academic Emergency Medicine |date=January 2019 |volume=26 |issue=1 |pages=85–96 |doi=10.1111/acem.13558 |pmid=30129102|doi-access=free }}</ref>
The procedure is typically performed under [[local anesthesia]] using a [[aseptic technique|sterile technique]]. A [[hypodermic needle]] is used to access the [[subarachnoid space]] and collect fluid. Fluid may be sent for [[biochemistry|biochemical]], [[microbiology|microbiological]], and [[cytopathology|cytological]] analysis. Using [[ultrasound]] to landmark may increase success.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Gottlieb |first1=M |last2=Holladay |first2=D |last3=Peksa |first3=GD |date=January 2019 |title=Ultrasound-assisted Lumbar Punctures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. |journal=Academic Emergency Medicine |volume=26 |issue=1 |pages=85–96 |doi=10.1111/acem.13558 |pmid=30129102 |doi-access=free}}</ref>


Lumbar puncture was first introduced in 1891 by the German physician [[Heinrich Quincke]].
Lumbar puncture was first introduced in 1891 by the German physician [[Heinrich Quincke]].


==Medical uses==
==Medical uses==
The reason for a lumbar puncture may be to make a diagnosis<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Doherty|first1=Carolynne M|last2=Forbes|first2=Raeburn B|date=2014|title=Diagnostic Lumbar Puncture|journal=The Ulster Medical Journal|volume=83|issue=2|pages=93–102|issn=0041-6193|pmc=4113153|pmid=25075138}}</ref><ref name=Sempere>{{cite journal |last1=Sempere |first1=AP |last2=Berenguer-Ruiz |first2=L |last3=Lezcano-Rodas |first3=M |last4=Mira-Berenguer |first4=F |last5=Waez |first5=M |title=Punción lumbar: indicaciones, contraindicaciones, complicaciones y técnica de realización |trans-title=Lumbar puncture: its indications, contraindications, complications and technique |language=es |journal=Revista de Neurología |volume=45 |issue=7 |pages=433–6 |pmid=17918111 |doi=10.33588/rn.4507.2007270 |year=2007 }}</ref><ref name="Gröschel">{{cite journal |last1=Gröschel |first1=K |last2=Schnaudigel |first2=S |last3=Pilgram |first3=S |last4=Wasser |first4=K |last5=Kastrup |first5=A |title=Die diagnostische Lumbalpunktion |trans-title=The diagnostic lumbar puncture |language=de |journal=Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift |date=19 December 2007 |volume=133 |issue=1/02 |pages=39–41 |doi=10.1055/s-2008-1017470 |pmid=18095209 }}</ref> or to treat a disease.<ref name=Sempere/>
The reason for a lumbar puncture may be to make a diagnosis<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Doherty |first1=Carolynne M |last2=Forbes |first2=Raeburn B |date=2014 |title=Diagnostic Lumbar Puncture |journal=The Ulster Medical Journal |volume=83 |issue=2 |pages=93–102 |issn=0041-6193 |pmc=4113153 |pmid=25075138}}</ref><ref name="Sempere">{{Cite journal |last1=Sempere |first1=AP |last2=Berenguer-Ruiz |first2=L |last3=Lezcano-Rodas |first3=M |last4=Mira-Berenguer |first4=F |last5=Waez |first5=M |year=2007 |title=Punción lumbar: indicaciones, contraindicaciones, complicaciones y técnica de realización |trans-title=Lumbar puncture: its indications, contraindications, complications and technique |journal=Revista de Neurología |language=es |volume=45 |issue=7 |pages=433–6 |doi=10.33588/rn.4507.2007270 |pmid=17918111}}</ref><ref name="Gröschel">{{Cite journal |last1=Gröschel |first1=K |last2=Schnaudigel |first2=S |last3=Pilgram |first3=S |last4=Wasser |first4=K |last5=Kastrup |first5=A |date=19 December 2007 |title=Die diagnostische Lumbalpunktion |trans-title=The diagnostic lumbar puncture |journal=Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift |language=de |volume=133 |issue=1/02 |pages=39–41 |doi=10.1055/s-2008-1017470 |pmid=18095209|s2cid=260115550 }}</ref> or to treat a disease, as outlined below.<ref name=Sempere/>


===Diagnosis===
===Diagnosis===
The chief diagnostic indications of lumbar puncture are for collection of [[cerebrospinal fluid]] (CSF). Analysis of CSF may exclude infectious,<ref name=Sempere/><ref name=Matata>{{cite journal|last1=Matata|first1=C|last2=Michael |first2=B |last3=Garner |first3=V |last4=Solomon |first4=T|title=Lumbar puncture: diagnosing acute central nervous system infections|journal=Nursing Standard|date=24–30 October 2012|volume=27|issue=8|pages=49–56; quiz 58|pmid=23189602 |doi=10.7748/ns2012.10.27.8.49.c9364}}</ref> inflammatory,<ref name=Sempere/> and neoplastic diseases<ref name=Sempere/> affecting the central nervous system. The most common purpose is in suspected [[meningitis]],<ref name="NICE Guidelines">{{cite journal |last1=Visintin |first1=C. |last2=Mugglestone |first2=M. A. |last3=Fields |first3=E. J. |last4=Jacklin |first4=P. |last5=Murphy |first5=M. S. |last6=Pollard |first6=A. J. |author7=Guideline Development Group |author8=National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence |s2cid=7685756 |title=Management of bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in children and young people: summary of NICE guidance |journal=BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) |date=28 June 2010 |volume=340 |pages=c3209 |doi=10.1136/bmj.c3209 |pmid=20584794}}</ref> since there is no other reliable tool with which meningitis, a life-threatening but highly treatable condition, can be excluded. A lumbar puncture can also be used to detect whether someone has 'Stage 1' or 'Stage 2' [[Trypanosoma brucei]]. Young infants commonly require lumbar puncture as a part of the routine workup for fever without a source. This is due to higher rates of meningitis than in older persons. Infants also do not reliably show classic symptoms of meningeal irritation ([[meningism]]us) like neck stiffness and headache the way adults do.<ref name="NICE Guidelines"/> In any age group, [[subarachnoid hemorrhage]], [[hydrocephalus]], [[benign intracranial hypertension]], and many other diagnoses may be supported or excluded with this test. It may also be used to detect the presence of malignant cells in the CSF, as in [[carcinomatous meningitis]] or [[medulloblastoma]]. CSF containing less than 10 [[red blood cells]] (RBCs)/mm³ constitutes a "negative" tap in the context of a workup for subarachnoid hemorrhage, for example. Taps that are "positive" have an RBC count of 100/mm³ or more.<ref name=Mann>{{cite journal|last=Mann|first=David|title=The role of lumbar puncture in the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage when computed tomography is unavailable|journal=Journal of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians|year=2002|volume=4|issue=2|pages=102–105|doi=10.1017/s1481803500006205|pmid=17612428|doi-access=free}}</ref>
The chief diagnostic indications of lumbar puncture are for collection of [[cerebrospinal fluid]] (CSF). Analysis of CSF may exclude infectious,<ref name=Sempere/><ref name="Matata">{{Cite journal |last1=Matata |first1=C |last2=Michael |first2=B |last3=Garner |first3=V |last4=Solomon |first4=T |date=24–30 October 2012 |title=Lumbar puncture: diagnosing acute central nervous system infections |journal=Nursing Standard |volume=27 |issue=8 |pages=49–56; quiz 58 |doi=10.7748/ns2012.10.27.8.49.c9364 |pmid=23189602}}</ref> inflammatory,<ref name=Sempere/> and neoplastic diseases<ref name=Sempere/> affecting the central nervous system. The most common purpose is in suspected [[meningitis]],<ref name="NICE Guidelines">{{Cite journal |last1=Visintin |first1=C. |last2=Mugglestone |first2=M. A. |last3=Fields |first3=E. J. |last4=Jacklin |first4=P. |last5=Murphy |first5=M. S. |last6=Pollard |first6=A. J. |last7=Guideline Development Group |last8=National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence |date=28 June 2010 |title=Management of bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in children and young people: summary of NICE guidance |journal=BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) |volume=340 |pages=c3209 |doi=10.1136/bmj.c3209 |pmid=20584794 |s2cid=7685756}}</ref> since there is no other reliable tool with which meningitis, a life-threatening but highly treatable condition, can be excluded. A lumbar puncture can also be used to detect whether someone has Stage 1 or Stage 2 ''[[Trypanosoma brucei]]''. Young infants commonly require lumbar puncture as a part of the routine workup for fever without a source.<ref name="Pessano 2023">{{Cite journal |last1=Pessano |first1=Sara |last2=Romantsik |first2=Olga |last3=Olsson |first3=Emma |last4=Hedayati |first4=Ehsan |last5=Bruschettini |first5=Matteo |date=2023 |editor-last=Cochrane Neonatal Group |title=Pharmacological interventions for the management of pain and discomfort during lumbar puncture in newborn infants |journal=Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |language=en |volume=2023 |issue=9 |pages=CD015594 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD015594.pub2 |pmc=10535798 |pmid=37767875}}</ref> This is due to higher rates of meningitis than in older persons. Infants also do not reliably show classic symptoms of meningeal irritation ([[meningism]]us) like neck stiffness and headache the way adults do.<ref name="NICE Guidelines" /> In any age group, [[subarachnoid hemorrhage]], [[hydrocephalus]], [[benign intracranial hypertension]], and many other diagnoses may be supported or excluded with this test. It may also be used to detect the presence of malignant cells in the CSF, as in [[carcinomatous meningitis]] or [[medulloblastoma]]. CSF containing less than 10 [[red blood cells]] (RBCs)/mm<sup>3</sup> constitutes a "negative" tap in the context of a workup for subarachnoid hemorrhage, for example. Taps that are "positive" have an RBC count of 100/mm<sup>3</sup> or more.<ref name="Mann">{{Cite journal |last=Mann |first=David |year=2002 |title=The role of lumbar puncture in the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage when computed tomography is unavailable |journal=Journal of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=102–105 |doi=10.1017/s1481803500006205 |pmid=17612428 |doi-access=free}}</ref>


===Treatment===
===Treatment===
Lumbar punctures may also be done to inject medications into the cerebrospinal fluid ("intrathecally"), particularly for [[spinal anesthesia]]<ref name="López">{{cite journal |last1=López |first1=T |last2=Sánchez |first2=FJ |last3=Garzón |first3=JC |last4=Muriel |first4=C |title=Spinal anesthesia in pediatric patients. |journal=Minerva Anestesiologica |date=January 2012 |volume=78 |issue=1 |pages=78–87 |pmid=22211775 |url=https://www.minervamedica.it/en/journals/minerva-anestesiologica/article.php?cod=R02Y2012N01A0078 |doi=10.1111/j.1460-9592.2011.03769.x|s2cid=205522367 }}</ref> or [[chemotherapy]].
Lumbar punctures may also be done to inject medications into the cerebrospinal fluid ("intrathecally"), particularly for [[spinal anesthesia]]<ref name="López">{{Cite journal |last1=López |first1=T |last2=Sánchez |first2=FJ |last3=Garzón |first3=JC |last4=Muriel |first4=C |date=January 2012 |title=Spinal anesthesia in pediatric patients. |url=https://www.minervamedica.it/en/journals/minerva-anestesiologica/article.php?cod=R02Y2012N01A0078 |journal=Minerva Anestesiologica |volume=78 |issue=1 |pages=78–87 |doi=10.1111/j.1460-9592.2011.03769.x |pmid=22211775 |s2cid=205522367}}</ref> or [[chemotherapy]].


Serial lumbar punctures may be useful in temporary treatment of [[idiopathic intracranial hypertension]] (IIH). This disease is characterized by increased pressure of CSF which may cause headache and permanent loss of vision. While mainstays of treatment are medication, in some cases lumbar puncture performed multiple times may improve symptoms. It is not recommended as a staple of treatment due to discomfort and risk of the procedure, and the short duration of its efficacy.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Biousse |first1=V. |title=Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Diagnosis, monitoring and treatment |journal=Revue Neurologique |date=October 2012 |volume=168 |issue=10 |pages=673–683 |doi=10.1016/j.neurol.2012.07.018 |pmid=22981270 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kesler |first1=Anat |last2=Kupferminc |first2=Michael |s2cid=20556772 |title=Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and Pregnancy |journal=Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology |date=June 2013 |volume=56 |issue=2 |pages=389–396 |doi=10.1097/GRF.0b013e31828f2701 |pmid=23563883 }}</ref>
Serial lumbar punctures may be useful in temporary treatment of [[idiopathic intracranial hypertension]] (IIH). This disease is characterized by increased pressure of CSF which may cause headache and permanent loss of vision. While mainstays of treatment are medication, in some cases lumbar puncture performed multiple times may improve symptoms. It is not recommended as a staple of treatment due to discomfort and risk of the procedure, and the short duration of its efficacy.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Biousse |first=V. |date=October 2012 |title=Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Diagnosis, monitoring and treatment |journal=Revue Neurologique |volume=168 |issue=10 |pages=673–683 |doi=10.1016/j.neurol.2012.07.018 |pmid=22981270}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Kesler |first1=Anat |last2=Kupferminc |first2=Michael |date=June 2013 |title=Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and Pregnancy |journal=Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology |volume=56 |issue=2 |pages=389–396 |doi=10.1097/GRF.0b013e31828f2701 |pmid=23563883 |s2cid=20556772}}</ref>


Additionally, some people with [[normal pressure hydrocephalus]] (characterized by urinary incontinence, a changed ability to walk properly, and dementia) receive some relief of symptoms after removal of CSF.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gallia |first1=Gary L |last2=Rigamonti |first2=Daniele |last3=Williams |first3=Michael A |title=The diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus |journal=Nature Clinical Practice Neurology |date=July 2006 |volume=2 |issue=7 |pages=375–381 |doi=10.1038/ncpneuro0237 |pmid=16932588 |pmc=5390935 }}</ref>
Additionally, some people with [[normal pressure hydrocephalus]] (characterized by urinary incontinence, a changed ability to walk properly, and dementia) receive some relief of symptoms after removal of CSF.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Gallia |first1=Gary L |last2=Rigamonti |first2=Daniele |last3=Williams |first3=Michael A |date=July 2006 |title=The diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus |journal=Nature Clinical Practice Neurology |volume=2 |issue=7 |pages=375–381 |doi=10.1038/ncpneuro0237 |pmc=5390935 |pmid=16932588}}</ref>


==Contraindications==
==Contraindications==
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* Infections
* Infections
** Skin infection at puncture site
** Skin infection at puncture site
* Vertebral deformities ([[scoliosis]] or [[kyphosis]]), in hands of an inexperienced physician.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Roos |first1=KL |title=Lumbar puncture |journal=Seminars in Neurology |date=March 2003 |volume=23 |issue=1 |pages=105–14 |doi=10.1055/s-2003-40758 |pmid=12870112 }}</ref><ref name=JAMA>{{cite journal |last1=Straus |first1=Sharon E. |last2=Thorpe |first2=Kevin E. |last3=Holroyd-Leduc |first3=Jayna |title=How Do I Perform a Lumbar Puncture and Analyze the Results to Diagnose Bacterial Meningitis? |journal=JAMA |date=25 October 2006 |volume=296 |issue=16 |pages=2012–22 |doi=10.1001/jama.296.16.2012 |pmid=17062865 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
* Vertebral deformities ([[scoliosis]] or [[kyphosis]]), in hands of an inexperienced physician.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Roos |first=KL |date=March 2003 |title=Lumbar puncture |journal=Seminars in Neurology |volume=23 |issue=1 |pages=105–14 |doi=10.1055/s-2003-40758 |pmid=12870112|s2cid=41878896 }}</ref><ref name="JAMA">{{Cite journal |last1=Straus |first1=Sharon E. |last2=Thorpe |first2=Kevin E. |last3=Holroyd-Leduc |first3=Jayna |date=25 October 2006 |title=How Do I Perform a Lumbar Puncture and Analyze the Results to Diagnose Bacterial Meningitis? |journal=JAMA |volume=296 |issue=16 |pages=2012–22 |doi=10.1001/jama.296.16.2012 |pmid=17062865 |doi-access=free}}</ref>


==Adverse effects==
==Adverse effects==
===Headache===
===Headache===
[[Post spinal headache]] with [[nausea]] is the most common complication; it often responds to [[analgesic|pain medication]]s and infusion of fluids. It was long taught that this complication can be prevented by strict maintenance of a [[supine position|supine posture]] for two hours after the successful puncture; this has not been borne out in modern studies involving large numbers of people. Doing the procedure with the person on their side might decrease the risk.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Zorrilla-Vaca|first1=A|last2=Makkar|first2=JK|title=Effectiveness of Lateral Decubitus Position for Preventing Post-Dural Puncture Headache: A Meta-Analysis|journal=Pain Physician|date=May 2017|volume=20|issue=4|pages=E521–E529|doi=10.36076/ppj.2017.E529|pmid=28535561}}</ref> Intravenous caffeine injection is often quite effective in aborting these spinal headaches. A headache that is persistent despite a long period of bedrest and occurs only when sitting up may be indicative of a CSF leak from the lumbar puncture site. It can be treated by more bedrest, or by an [[epidural blood patch]], where the person's own blood is injected back into the site of leakage to cause a clot to form and seal off the leak.{{cn}}
[[Post-dural-puncture headache]] with [[nausea]] is the most common complication; it often responds to [[analgesic|pain medication]]s and infusion of fluids. It was long taught that this complication can be prevented by strict maintenance of a [[supine position|supine posture]] for two hours after the successful puncture; this has not been borne out in modern studies involving large numbers of people. Doing the procedure with the person on their side might decrease the risk.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Zorrilla-Vaca |first1=A |last2=Makkar |first2=JK |date=May 2017 |title=Effectiveness of Lateral Decubitus Position for Preventing Post-Dural Puncture Headache: A Meta-Analysis |journal=Pain Physician |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=E521–E529 |doi=10.36076/ppj.2017.E529 |pmid=28535561}}</ref> Intravenous caffeine injection is often quite effective in aborting these spinal headaches. A headache that is persistent despite a long period of bedrest and occurs only when sitting up may be indicative of a CSF leak from the lumbar puncture site. It can be treated by more bedrest, or by an [[epidural blood patch]], where the person's own blood is injected back into the site of leakage to cause a clot to form and seal off the leak.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Epidural Blood Patch - Imaging Glossary - Patients - UR Medicine Imaging Sciences (Radiology) - University of Rochester Medical Center |url=https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/imaging/specialties/procedures/epidural-patch.aspx |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=www.urmc.rochester.edu}}</ref>


The risk of headache and need for analgesia and blood patch is much reduced if "atraumatic" needles are used. This does not affect the success rate of the procedure in other ways.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Nath |first1=Siddharth |last2=Koziarz |first2=Alex |last3=Badhiwala |first3=Jetan H |last4=Alhazzani |first4=Waleed |last5=Jaeschke |first5=Roman |last6=Sharma |first6=Sunjay |last7=Banfield |first7=Laura |last8=Shoamanesh |first8=Ashkan |last9=Singh |first9=Sheila |last10=Nassiri |first10=Farshad |last11=Oczkowski |first11=Wieslaw |last12=Belley-Côté |first12=Emilie |last13=Truant |first13=Ray |last14=Reddy |first14=Kesava |last15=Meade |first15=Maureen O |last16=Farrokhyar |first16=Forough |last17=Bala |first17=Malgorzata M |last18=Alshamsi |first18=Fayez |last19=Krag |first19=Mette |last20=Etxeandia-Ikobaltzeta |first20=Itziar |last21=Kunz |first21=Regina |last22=Nishida |first22=Osamu |last23=Matouk |first23=Charles |last24=Selim |first24=Magdy |last25=Rhodes |first25=Andrew |last26=Hawryluk |first26=Gregory |last27=Almenawer |first27=Saleh A |s2cid=4436591 |title=Atraumatic versus conventional lumbar puncture needles: a systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=The Lancet |date=March 2018 |volume=391 |issue=10126 |pages=1197–1204 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32451-0 |pmid=29223694 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rochwerg |first1=Bram |last2=Almenawer |first2=Saleh A |last3=Siemieniuk |first3=Reed A C |last4=Vandvik |first4=Per Olav |last5=Agoritsas |first5=Thomas |last6=Lytvyn |first6=Lyubov |last7=Alhazzani |first7=Waleed |last8=Archambault |first8=Patrick |last9=D’Aragon |first9=Frederick |last10=Farhoumand |first10=Pauline Darbellay |last11=Guyatt |first11=Gordon |last12=Laake |first12=Jon Henrik |last13=Beltrán-Arroyave |first13=Claudia |last14=McCredie |first14=Victoria |last15=Price |first15=Amy |last16=Chabot |first16=Christian |last17=Zervakis |first17=Tracy |last18=Badhiwala |first18=Jetan |last19=St-Onge |first19=Maude |last20=Szczeklik |first20=Wojciech |last21=Møller |first21=Morten Hylander |last22=Lamontagne |first22=Francois |title=Atraumatic (pencil-point) versus conventional needles for lumbar puncture: a clinical practice guideline |journal=BMJ |volume=361 |date=22 May 2018 |pages=k1920 |doi=10.1136/bmj.k1920 |pmid=29789372 |pmc=6364256 }}</ref> Although the cost and difficulty are similar, adoption remains low - only 16% ca. 2014.<ref name=ignorant-neurologists>{{cite journal |last1=Davis |first1=A |last2=Dobson |first2=R |last3=Kaninia |first3=S |last4=Giovannoni |first4=G |last5=Schmierer |first5=K |title=Atraumatic needles for lumbar puncture: why haven't neurologists changed? |journal=Practical Neurology |date=February 2016 |volume=16 |issue=1 |pages=18–22 |doi=10.1136/practneurol-2014-001055 |pmid=26349834 |s2cid=36928177 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281637055}}</ref>
The risk of headache and need for analgesia and blood patch is much reduced if "atraumatic" needles are used. This does not affect the success rate of the procedure in other ways.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Nath |first1=Siddharth |last2=Koziarz |first2=Alex |last3=Badhiwala |first3=Jetan H |last4=Alhazzani |first4=Waleed |last5=Jaeschke |first5=Roman |last6=Sharma |first6=Sunjay |last7=Banfield |first7=Laura |last8=Shoamanesh |first8=Ashkan |last9=Singh |first9=Sheila |last10=Nassiri |first10=Farshad |last11=Oczkowski |first11=Wieslaw |date=March 2018 |title=Atraumatic versus conventional lumbar puncture needles: a systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=The Lancet |volume=391 |issue=10126 |pages=1197–1204 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32451-0 |pmid=29223694 |last12=Belley-Côté |first12=Emilie |last13=Truant |first13=Ray |last14=Reddy |first14=Kesava |last15=Meade |first15=Maureen O |last16=Farrokhyar |first16=Forough |last17=Bala |first17=Malgorzata M |last18=Alshamsi |first18=Fayez |last19=Krag |first19=Mette |last20=Etxeandia-Ikobaltzeta |first20=Itziar |last21=Kunz |first21=Regina |last22=Nishida |first22=Osamu |last23=Matouk |first23=Charles |last24=Selim |first24=Magdy |last25=Rhodes |first25=Andrew |last26=Hawryluk |first26=Gregory |last27=Almenawer |first27=Saleh A |s2cid=4436591}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Rochwerg |first1=Bram |last2=Almenawer |first2=Saleh A |last3=Siemieniuk |first3=Reed A C |last4=Vandvik |first4=Per Olav |last5=Agoritsas |first5=Thomas |last6=Lytvyn |first6=Lyubov |last7=Alhazzani |first7=Waleed |last8=Archambault |first8=Patrick |last9=D’Aragon |first9=Frederick |last10=Farhoumand |first10=Pauline Darbellay |last11=Guyatt |first11=Gordon |date=22 May 2018 |title=Atraumatic (pencil-point) versus conventional needles for lumbar puncture: a clinical practice guideline |journal=BMJ |volume=361 |pages=k1920 |doi=10.1136/bmj.k1920 |pmc=6364256 |pmid=29789372 |last12=Laake |first12=Jon Henrik |last13=Beltrán-Arroyave |first13=Claudia |last14=McCredie |first14=Victoria |last15=Price |first15=Amy |last16=Chabot |first16=Christian |last17=Zervakis |first17=Tracy |last18=Badhiwala |first18=Jetan |last19=St-Onge |first19=Maude |last20=Szczeklik |first20=Wojciech |last21=Møller |first21=Morten Hylander |last22=Lamontagne |first22=Francois}}</ref> Although the cost and difficulty are similar, adoption remains low, at only 16% {{circa|2014}}.<ref name="ignorant-neurologists">{{Cite journal |last1=Davis |first1=A |last2=Dobson |first2=R |last3=Kaninia |first3=S |last4=Giovannoni |first4=G |last5=Schmierer |first5=K |date=February 2016 |title=Atraumatic needles for lumbar puncture: why haven't neurologists changed? |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281637055 |journal=Practical Neurology |volume=16 |issue=1 |pages=18–22 |doi=10.1136/practneurol-2014-001055 |pmid=26349834 |s2cid=36928177}}</ref>

The headaches may be caused by inadvertent puncture of the [[dura mater]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Patel |first1=R. |last2=Urits |first2=I. |last3=Orhurhu |first3=V. |last4=Orhurhu |first4=M. S. |last5=Peck |first5=J. |last6=Ohuabunwa |first6=E. |last7=Sikorski |first7=A. |last8=Mehrabani |first8=A. |last9=Manchikanti |first9=L. |last10=Kaye |first10=A. D. |last11=Kaye |first11=R. J. |year=2020 |title=A Comprehensive Update on the Treatment and Management of Postdural Puncture Headache |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32323013/ |journal=Current Pain and Headache Reports |volume=24 |issue=6 |page=24 |doi=10.1007/s11916-020-00860-0 |pmid=32323013 |last12=Helmstetter |first12=J. A. |last13=Viswanath |first13=O. |s2cid=216049548}}</ref>


===Other===
===Other===
Contact between the side of the lumbar puncture needle and a spinal nerve root can result in anomalous sensations ([[paresthesia]]) in a leg during the procedure; this is harmless and people can be warned about it in advance to minimize their anxiety if it should occur.
Contact between the side of the lumbar puncture needle and a spinal nerve root can result in anomalous sensations ([[paresthesia]]) in a leg during the procedure; this is harmless and people can be warned about it in advance to minimize their anxiety if it should occur.


Serious complications of a properly performed lumbar puncture are extremely rare.<ref name="Sempere"/> They include spinal or epidural bleeding, adhesive [[arachnoiditis]] and trauma to the [[spinal cord]]<ref name="López"/> or [[spinal nerve]] roots resulting in weakness or loss of sensation, or even [[paraplegia]]. The latter is exceedingly rare, since the level at which the spinal cord ends (normally the inferior border of L1, although it is slightly lower in infants) is several vertebral spaces above the proper location for a lumbar puncture (L3/L4). There are case reports of lumbar puncture resulting in perforation of abnormal dural [[arterio-venous malformation]]s, resulting in catastrophic [[epidural hemorrhage]]; this is exceedingly rare.<ref name="López"/>
Serious complications of a properly performed lumbar puncture are extremely rare.<ref name="Sempere" /> They include spinal or epidural bleeding, adhesive [[arachnoiditis]] and trauma to the [[spinal cord]]<ref name="López" /> or [[spinal nerve]] roots resulting in weakness or loss of sensation, or even [[paraplegia]]. The latter is exceedingly rare, since the level at which the spinal cord ends (normally the inferior border of L1, although it is slightly lower in infants) is several vertebral spaces above the proper location for a lumbar puncture (L3/L4). There are case reports of lumbar puncture resulting in perforation of abnormal dural [[arterio-venous malformation]]s, resulting in catastrophic [[epidural hemorrhage]]; this is exceedingly rare.<ref name="López" />

The procedure is not recommended when [[epidural]] [[infection]] is present or suspected, when topical infections or dermatological conditions pose a risk of infection at the puncture site or in patients with severe [[psychosis]] or [[neurosis]] with back pain. Some authorities believe that withdrawal of fluid when initial pressures are abnormal could result in spinal cord compression or [[brain hernia|cerebral herniation]]; others believe that such events are merely coincidental in time, occurring independently as a result of the same pathology that the lumbar puncture was performed to diagnose. In any case, [[computed tomography]] of the brain is often performed prior to lumbar puncture if an intracranial mass is suspected.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Joffe |first=Ari R. |date=29 June 2016 |title=Lumbar Puncture and Brain Herniation in Acute Bacterial Meningitis: A Review |journal=Journal of Intensive Care Medicine |volume=22 |issue=4 |pages=194–207 |doi=10.1177/0885066607299516 |pmid=17712055 |s2cid=22924383}}</ref>


[[cerebrospinal fluid leak|CSF leaks]] can result from a lumbar puncture procedure.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ragab |first1=Ashraf |last2=Facharzt |first2=Khalid Noman |year=2014 |title=Caffeine, is it effective for prevention of postdural puncture headache in young adult patients? |journal=Egyptian Journal of Anaesthesia |volume=30 |issue=2 |pages=181–186 |doi=10.1016/j.egja.2013.11.005 |s2cid=71403201|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 February 2015 |title=Iatrogenic CSF Leaks from Lumbar Punctures – a commentary |url=https://spinalcsfleak.org/iatrogenic-csf-leaks-from-diagnostic-lumbar-punctures-a-commentary/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak: Symptoms & Treatment |url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16854-cerebrospinal-fluid-csf-leak}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak (CSF Leak) FAQ |url=https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/neurosciences/cerebrospinal-fluid-leak-program/cerebrospinal-fluid-leak-faq}}</ref>
The procedure is not recommended when [[epidural]] [[infection]] is present or suspected, when topical infections or dermatological conditions pose a risk of infection at the puncture site or in patients with severe [[psychosis]] or [[neurosis]] with back pain. Some authorities believe that withdrawal of fluid when initial pressures are abnormal could result in spinal cord compression or [[brain hernia|cerebral herniation]]; others believe that such events are merely coincidental in time, occurring independently as a result of the same pathology that the lumbar puncture was performed to diagnose. In any case, [[computed tomography]] of the brain is often performed prior to lumbar puncture if an intracranial mass is suspected.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Joffe |first1=Ari R. |s2cid=22924383 |title=Lumbar Puncture and Brain Herniation in Acute Bacterial Meningitis: A Review |journal=Journal of Intensive Care Medicine |date=29 June 2016 |volume=22 |issue=4 |pages=194–207 |doi=10.1177/0885066607299516 |pmid=17712055 }}</ref>


==Technique==
==Technique==
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===Mechanism===
===Mechanism===


The brain and spinal cord are enveloped by a layer of cerebrospinal fluid, 125–150&nbsp;ml in total (in adults) which acts as a shock absorber and provides a medium for the transfer of nutrients and waste products. The majority is produced by the [[choroid plexus]] in the brain and circulates from there to other areas, before being reabsorbed into the circulation (predominantly by the [[arachnoid granulation]]s).<ref name=Wright>{{cite journal |last1=Wright |first1=Ben L. C. |last2=Lai |first2=James T. F. |last3=Sinclair |first3=Alexandra J. |s2cid=2563483 |title=Cerebrospinal fluid and lumbar puncture: a practical review |journal=Journal of Neurology |date=26 January 2012 |volume=259 |issue=8 |pages=1530–1545 |doi=10.1007/s00415-012-6413-x |pmid=22278331 }}</ref>
The brain and spinal cord are enveloped by a layer of cerebrospinal fluid, 125–150&nbsp;mL in total (in adults) which acts as a shock absorber and provides a medium for the transfer of nutrients and waste products. The majority is produced by the [[choroid plexus]] in the brain and circulates from there to other areas, before being reabsorbed into the circulation (predominantly by the [[arachnoid granulation]]s).<ref name="Wright">{{Cite journal |last1=Wright |first1=Ben L. C. |last2=Lai |first2=James T. F. |last3=Sinclair |first3=Alexandra J. |date=26 January 2012 |title=Cerebrospinal fluid and lumbar puncture: a practical review |journal=Journal of Neurology |volume=259 |issue=8 |pages=1530–1545 |doi=10.1007/s00415-012-6413-x |pmid=22278331 |s2cid=2563483}}</ref>


The cerebrospinal fluid can be accessed most safely in the [[subarachnoid cisterns|lumbar cistern]]. Below the first or second lumbar vertebrae (L1 or L2) the [[spinal cord]] terminates ([[conus medullaris]]). Nerves continue down the spine below this, but in a loose bundle of nerve fibers called the [[cauda equina]]. There is lower risk with inserting a needle into the spine at the level of the cauda equina because these loose fibers move out of the way of the needle without being damaged.<ref name=Wright/> The lumbar cistern extends into the [[sacrum]] up to the S2 vertebra.<ref name=Wright/>
The cerebrospinal fluid can be accessed most safely in the [[subarachnoid cisterns|lumbar cistern]]. Below the first or second lumbar vertebrae (L1 or L2) the [[spinal cord]] terminates ([[conus medullaris]]). Nerves continue down the spine below this, but in a loose bundle of nerve fibers called the [[cauda equina]]. There is lower risk with inserting a needle into the spine at the level of the cauda equina because these loose fibers move out of the way of the needle without being damaged.<ref name=Wright/> The lumbar cistern extends into the [[sacrum]] up to the S2 vertebra.<ref name=Wright/>
Line 73: Line 78:
===Procedure===
===Procedure===
[[File:Spinal Tap.png|thumb|Illustration depicting lumbar puncture (spinal tap)]]
[[File:Spinal Tap.png|thumb|Illustration depicting lumbar puncture (spinal tap)]]
[[File:Spinal needles.jpg|thumb|right|Spinal needles used in lumbar puncture.]]
[[File:Spinal needles.jpg|thumb|right|Spinal needles used in lumbar puncture]]
[[File:Blausen 0617 LumbarPuncture.png|thumb|Illustration depicting common positions for lumbar puncture procedure.]]
[[File:Blausen 0617 LumbarPuncture.png|thumb|Illustration depicting common positions for lumbar puncture procedure]]
The person is usually placed on their side (left more commonly than right). The patient bends the neck so the chin is close to the chest, hunches the back, and brings knees toward the chest. This approximates a [[fetal position]] as much as possible. Patients may also sit on a stool and bend their head and shoulders forward. The area around the lower back is prepared using aseptic technique. Once the appropriate location is palpated, local anaesthetic is infiltrated under the skin and then injected along the intended path of the spinal needle. A spinal needle is inserted between the lumbar [[vertebra]]e L3/L4, L4/L5<ref name="López"/> or L5/S1<ref name="López"/> and pushed in until there is a "give" as it enters the [[lumbar cistern]] wherein the [[ligamenta flava|ligamentum flavum]] is housed. The needle is again pushed until there is a second 'give' that indicates the needle is now past the [[dura mater]]. The [[arachnoid membrane]] and the dura mater exist in flush contact with one another in the living person's spine due to fluid pressure from CSF in the [[subarachnoid space]] pushing the arachnoid membrane out towards the dura. Therefore, once the needle has pierced the dura mater it has also traversed the thinner arachnoid membrane. The needle is then in the subarachnoid space. The stylet from the spinal needle is then withdrawn and drops of cerebrospinal fluid are collected. The opening pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid may be taken during this collection by using a simple column [[manometer]]. The procedure is ended by withdrawing the needle while placing pressure on the puncture site. The spinal level is so selected to avoid spinal injuries.<ref name="López"/> In the past, the patient would lie on their back for at least six hours and be monitored for signs of neurological problems. There is no scientific evidence that this provides any benefit. The technique described is almost identical to that used in [[spinal anesthesia]], except that spinal anesthesia is more often done with the patient in a seated position.{{cn}}
The person is usually placed on their side (left more commonly than right). The patient bends the neck so the chin is close to the chest, hunches the back, and brings knees toward the chest. This approximates a [[fetal position]] as much as possible. Patients may also sit on a stool and bend their head and shoulders forward. The area around the lower back is prepared using aseptic technique. Once the appropriate location is palpated, local anaesthetic is infiltrated under the skin and then injected along the intended path of the spinal needle. A spinal needle is inserted between the lumbar [[vertebra]]e L3/L4, L4/L5<ref name="López" /> or L5/S1<ref name="López" /> and pushed in until there is a "give" as it enters the [[lumbar cistern]] wherein the [[ligamenta flava|ligamentum flavum]] is housed. The needle is again pushed until there is a second 'give' that indicates the needle is now past the [[dura mater]]. The [[arachnoid membrane]] and the dura mater exist in flush contact with one another in the living person's spine due to fluid pressure from CSF in the [[subarachnoid space]] pushing the arachnoid membrane out towards the dura. Therefore, once the needle has pierced the dura mater it has also traversed the thinner arachnoid membrane. The needle is then in the subarachnoid space. The [[Wiktionary:stylet|stylet]] from the spinal needle is then withdrawn and drops of cerebrospinal fluid are collected. The opening pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid may be taken during this collection by using a simple column [[manometer]]. The procedure is ended by withdrawing the needle while placing pressure on the puncture site. The spinal level is so selected to avoid spinal injuries.<ref name="López" /> In the past, the patient would lie on their back for at least six hours and be monitored for signs of neurological problems. There is no scientific evidence that this provides any benefit. The technique described is almost identical to that used in [[spinal anesthesia]], except that spinal anesthesia is more often done with the patient in a seated position.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}


The upright seated position is advantageous in that there is less distortion of spinal anatomy which allows for easier withdrawal of fluid. Some practitioners prefer it for lumbar puncture in obese patients, where lying on their side would cause a [[scoliosis]] and unreliable anatomical landmarks. However, opening pressures are notoriously unreliable when measured in the seated position. Therefore, patients will ideally lie on their side if practitioners need to measure opening pressure.{{cn}}
The upright seated position is advantageous in that there is less distortion of spinal anatomy which allows for easier withdrawal of fluid. Some practitioners prefer it for lumbar puncture in obese patients, where lying on their side would cause a [[scoliosis]] and unreliable anatomical landmarks. However, opening pressures are notoriously unreliable when measured in the seated position. Therefore, patients will ideally lie on their side if practitioners need to measure opening pressure.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}


Reinsertion of the stylet may decrease the rate of post lumbar puncture headaches.<ref name=JAMA/>
Reinsertion of the stylet may decrease the rate of post lumbar puncture headaches.<ref name=JAMA/>


Although not available in all clinical settings, use of [[Ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture|ultrasound]] is helpful for visualizing the interspinous space and assessing the depth of the spine from the skin. Use of ultrasound reduces the number of needle insertions and redirections, and results in higher rates of successful lumbar puncture.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Shaikh |first1=F. |last2=Brzezinski |first2=J. |last3=Alexander |first3=S. |last4=Arzola |first4=C. |last5=Carvalho |first5=J. C. A. |last6=Beyene |first6=J. |last7=Sung |first7=L. |title=Ultrasound imaging for lumbar punctures and epidural catheterisations: systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=BMJ |date=26 March 2013 |volume=346 |issue=mar26 1 |pages=f1720 |doi=10.1136/bmj.f1720 |pmid=23532866 |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0054626/ |doi-access=free }}</ref> If the procedure is difficult, such as in people with spinal deformities such as scoliosis, it can also be performed under [[fluoroscopy]] (under continuous X-ray imaging).<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Cauley |first1=Keith A. |title=Fluoroscopically Guided Lumbar Puncture |journal=American Journal of Roentgenology |date=October 2015 |volume=205 |issue=4 |pages=W442–W450 |doi=10.2214/AJR.14.14028 |pmid=26397351 }}</ref>
Although not available in all clinical settings, use of [[Ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture|ultrasound]] is helpful for visualizing the interspinous space and assessing the depth of the spine from the skin. Use of ultrasound reduces the number of needle insertions and redirections, and results in higher rates of successful lumbar puncture.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Shaikh |first1=F. |last2=Brzezinski |first2=J. |last3=Alexander |first3=S. |last4=Arzola |first4=C. |last5=Carvalho |first5=J. C. A. |last6=Beyene |first6=J. |last7=Sung |first7=L. |date=26 March 2013 |title=Ultrasound imaging for lumbar punctures and epidural catheterisations: systematic review and meta-analysis |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0054626/ |journal=BMJ |volume=346 |issue=mar26 1 |pages=f1720 |doi=10.1136/bmj.f1720 |pmid=23532866 |doi-access=free}}</ref> If the procedure is difficult, such as in people with spinal deformities such as scoliosis, it can also be performed under [[fluoroscopy]] (under continuous X-ray imaging).<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Cauley |first=Keith A. |date=October 2015 |title=Fluoroscopically Guided Lumbar Puncture |journal=American Journal of Roentgenology |volume=205 |issue=4 |pages=W442–W450 |doi=10.2214/AJR.14.14028 |pmid=26397351}}</ref>


===Children===
===Children===
In children, a sitting flexed position was as successful as lying on the side with respect to obtaining non-traumatic CSF, CSF for culture, and cell count. There was a higher success rate in obtaining CSF in the first attempt in infants younger than 12 months in the sitting flexed position.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Hanson |first1=Amy L. |last2=Ros |first2=Simon |last3=Soprano |first3=Joyce |s2cid=43633453 |title=Analysis of Infant Lumbar Puncture Success Rates |journal=Pediatric Emergency Care |date=May 2014 |volume=30 |issue=5 |pages=311–314 |doi=10.1097/PEC.0000000000000119 |pmid=24759486 }}</ref>
In children, a sitting flexed position was as successful as lying on the side with respect to obtaining non-traumatic CSF, CSF for culture, and cell count. There was a higher success rate in obtaining CSF in the first attempt in infants younger than 12 months in the sitting flexed position.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hanson |first1=Amy L. |last2=Ros |first2=Simon |last3=Soprano |first3=Joyce |date=May 2014 |title=Analysis of Infant Lumbar Puncture Success Rates |journal=Pediatric Emergency Care |volume=30 |issue=5 |pages=311–314 |doi=10.1097/PEC.0000000000000119 |pmid=24759486 |s2cid=43633453}}</ref>


The spine of an infant at the time of birth differs from the adult spine. The ''conus medullaris'' (bottom of the spinal cord) terminates at the level of L1 in adults, but may range in term neonates (newly born babies) from L1–L3 levels.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |doi=10.1016/b978-0-323-07954-9.00013-x |chapter=Unique Anatomic Features of the Pediatric Spine |title=Clinical Anatomy of the Spine, Spinal Cord, and Ans |pages=566–585 |year=2014 |last1=Cramer |first1=Gregory D. |last2=Yu |first2=Shi-Wei |isbn=978-0-323-07954-9 }}</ref> It is important to insert the spinal needle below the conus medullaris at the L3/L4 or L4/L5 interspinous levels.<ref name=":2">{{cite journal |last1=Bonadio |first1=William |title=Pediatric Lumbar Puncture and Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis |journal=The Journal of Emergency Medicine |date=January 2014 |volume=46 |issue=1 |pages=141–150 |doi=10.1016/j.jemermed.2013.08.056 |pmid=24188604 }}</ref> With growth of the spine, the conus typically reaches the adult level (L1) by 2 years of age.<ref name=":1"/>
The spine of an infant at the time of birth differs from the adult spine. The ''conus medullaris'' (bottom of the spinal cord) terminates at the level of L1 in adults, but may range in term neonates (newly born babies) from L1–L3 levels.<ref name="Cramer 2014">{{Cite book |last1=Cramer |first1=Gregory D. |title=Clinical Anatomy of the Spine, Spinal Cord, and Ans |last2=Yu |first2=Shi-Wei |year=2014 |isbn=978-0-323-07954-9 |pages=566–585 |chapter=Unique Anatomic Features of the Pediatric Spine |doi=10.1016/b978-0-323-07954-9.00013-x}}</ref> It is important to insert the spinal needle below the conus medullaris at the L3/L4 or L4/L5 interspinous levels.<ref name="Bonadio 2014">{{Cite journal |last=Bonadio |first=William |date=January 2014 |title=Pediatric Lumbar Puncture and Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis |journal=The Journal of Emergency Medicine |volume=46 |issue=1 |pages=141–150 |doi=10.1016/j.jemermed.2013.08.056 |pmid=24188604}}</ref> With growth of the spine, the conus typically reaches the adult level (L1) by 2 years of age.<ref name="Cramer 2014" />


The ''[[ligamentum flavum]]'' and ''[[dura mater]]'' are not as thick in infants and children as they are in adults. Therefore, it is difficult to assess when the needle passes through them into the subarachnoid space because the characteristic "pop" or "give" may be subtle or nonexistent in the pediatric lumbar puncture. To decrease the chances of inserting the spinal needle too far, some clinicians use the "Cincinnati" method. This method involves removing the stylet of the spinal needle once the needle has advanced through the dermis. After removal of the stylet, the needle is inserted until CSF starts to come out of the needle. Once all of the CSF is collected, the stylet is then reinserted before removal of the needle.<ref name=":2"/>
The ''[[ligamentum flavum]]'' and ''[[dura mater]]'' are not as thick in infants and children as they are in adults. Therefore, it is difficult to assess when the needle passes through them into the subarachnoid space because the characteristic "pop" or "give" may be subtle or nonexistent in the pediatric lumbar puncture. To decrease the chances of inserting the spinal needle too far, some clinicians use the "Cincinnati" method. This method involves removing the stylet of the spinal needle once the needle has advanced through the dermis. After removal of the stylet, the needle is inserted until CSF starts to come out of the needle. Once all of the CSF is collected, the stylet is then reinserted before removal of the needle.<ref name="Bonadio 2014" />

=== Newborn infants ===
Lumbar punctures are often used to diagnose or verify an infection in very young babies and can cause quite a bit of pain unless appropriate pain control is used (analgesia).<ref name="Pessano 2023" /> Managing pain is important for infants undergoing this procedure.<ref name="Pessano 2023" /> Approaches for pain control include topical pain medications (anaesthetics such as lidocaine). The most effective approach for pain control in infants who require a lumbar puncture is not clear.<ref name="Pessano 2023" />


==Interpretation==
==Interpretation==
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===Pressure determination===
===Pressure determination===
[[File:Spinal tap newborn.JPG|thumb|200px|Lumbar puncture in a child suspected of having meningitis.]]
[[File:Spinal tap newborn.JPG|thumb|200px|Lumbar puncture in a child suspected of having meningitis]]
Increased CSF pressure can indicate [[congestive heart failure]], [[cerebral edema]], [[subarachnoid hemorrhage]], hypo-osmolality resulting from [[dialysis|hemodialysis]], meningeal inflammation, purulent meningitis or tuberculous meningitis, [[hydrocephalus]], or [[pseudotumor cerebri]].<ref name="Wright"/> In the setting of raised pressure (or [[normal pressure hydrocephalus]], where the pressure is normal but there is excessive CSF), lumbar puncture may be therapeutic.<ref name="Wright"/>
Increased CSF pressure can indicate [[congestive heart failure]], [[cerebral edema]], [[subarachnoid hemorrhage]], hypo-osmolality resulting from [[Kidney dialysis|hemodialysis]], meningeal inflammation, purulent meningitis or tuberculous meningitis, [[hydrocephalus]], or [[pseudotumor cerebri]].<ref name="Wright" /> In the setting of raised pressure (or [[normal pressure hydrocephalus]], where the pressure is normal but there is excessive CSF), lumbar puncture may be therapeutic.<ref name="Wright" />


Decreased CSF pressure can indicate complete subarachnoid blockage, leakage of spinal fluid, severe [[dehydration]], hyperosmolality, or [[circulatory collapse]]. Significant changes in pressure during the procedure can indicate tumors or spinal blockage resulting in a large pool of CSF, or hydrocephalus associated with large volumes of CSF.<ref name="Wright"/>
Decreased CSF pressure can indicate complete subarachnoid blockage, leakage of spinal fluid, severe [[dehydration]], hyperosmolality, or [[circulatory collapse]]. Significant changes in pressure during the procedure can indicate tumors or spinal blockage resulting in a large pool of CSF, or hydrocephalus associated with large volumes of CSF.<ref name="Wright" />


===Cell count===
===Cell count===
The presence of [[white blood cell]]s in cerebrospinal fluid is called [[pleocytosis]]. A small number of [[monocyte]]s can be normal; the presence of [[granulocyte]]s is always an abnormal finding. A large number of granulocytes often heralds bacterial [[meningitis]]. White cells can also indicate reaction to repeated lumbar punctures, reactions to prior injections of medicines or dyes, central nervous system hemorrhage, [[leukemia]], recent epileptic [[seizure]], or a metastatic [[tumor]]. When peripheral blood contaminates the withdrawn CSF, a common procedural complication, [[white blood cell]]s will be present along with [[erythrocyte]]s, and their ratio will be the same as that in the peripheral blood.
The presence of [[white blood cell]]s in cerebrospinal fluid is called [[pleocytosis]]. A small number of [[monocyte]]s can be normal; the presence of [[granulocyte]]s is always an abnormal finding. A large number of granulocytes often heralds bacterial [[meningitis]]. White cells can also indicate reaction to repeated lumbar punctures, reactions to prior injections of medicines or dyes, central nervous system hemorrhage, [[leukemia]], recent epileptic [[seizure]], or a metastatic [[tumor]]. When peripheral blood contaminates the withdrawn CSF, a common procedural complication, white blood cells will be present along with [[erythrocyte]]s, and their ratio will be the same as that in the peripheral blood.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}


The finding of erythrophagocytosis,<ref name="Kluge2007">{{cite book|author=Harald Kluge|title=Atlas of CSF cytology|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HDLv-LAfqHoC&pg=PA45|access-date=28 October 2010|year=2007|publisher=Thieme|isbn=978-3-13-143161-5|pages=45–46}}</ref> where [[phagocytosed]] [[erythrocytes]] are observed, signifies haemorrhage into the CSF that preceded the lumbar puncture. Therefore, when erythrocytes are detected in the CSF sample, erythrophagocytosis suggests causes other than a traumatic tap, such as [[intracranial haemorrhage]] and [[herpes|haemorrhagic herpetic encephalitis]]. In which case, further investigations are warranted, including imaging and viral culture.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
The finding of erythrophagocytosis,<ref name="Kluge2007">{{Cite book |last=Harald Kluge |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HDLv-LAfqHoC&pg=PA45 |title=Atlas of CSF cytology |publisher=Thieme |year=2007 |isbn=978-3-13-143161-5 |pages=45–46 |access-date=28 October 2010}}</ref> where [[phagocytosed]] erythrocytes are observed, signifies haemorrhage into the CSF that preceded the lumbar puncture. Therefore, when erythrocytes are detected in the CSF sample, erythrophagocytosis suggests causes other than a traumatic tap, such as [[intracranial haemorrhage]] and [[herpes|haemorrhagic herpetic encephalitis]]. In which case, further investigations are warranted, including imaging and viral culture.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}


===Microbiology===
===Microbiology===
CSF can be sent to the [[microbiology]] lab for various types of smears and cultures to diagnose infections.
CSF can be sent to the [[microbiology]] lab for various types of smears and cultures to diagnose infections.
* [[Gram staining]] may demonstrate gram positive bacteria in bacterial meningitis.<ref name=":0">{{cite journal |last1=Pearson |first1=Justin |last2=Fuller |first2=Geraint |title=Lumbar punctures and cerebrospinal fluid analysis |journal=Medicine |date=August 2012 |volume=40 |issue=8 |pages=459–462 |doi=10.1016/j.mpmed.2012.05.005 }}</ref>
* [[Gram staining]] may demonstrate gram positive bacteria in bacterial meningitis.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Pearson |first1=Justin |last2=Fuller |first2=Geraint |date=August 2012 |title=Lumbar punctures and cerebrospinal fluid analysis |journal=Medicine |volume=40 |issue=8 |pages=459–462 |doi=10.1016/j.mpmed.2012.05.005 |s2cid=73285011}}</ref>
* [[Microbiological culture]] is the gold standard for detecting bacterial meningitis. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can all be cultured by using different techniques.
* [[Microbiological culture]] is the gold standard for detecting bacterial meningitis. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can all be cultured by using different techniques.
* [[Polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR) has been a great advance in the diagnosis of some types of meningitis, such as meningitis from [[herpesvirus]] and [[enterovirus]]. It has high sensitivity and specificity for many infections of the CNS, is fast, and can be done with small volumes of CSF. Even though testing is expensive, cost analyses of PCR testing in neonatal patients demonstrated savings via reduced cost of hospitalization.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Nigrovic |first1=Lise E. |last2=Chiang |first2=Vincent W. |title=Cost Analysis of Enteroviral Polymerase Chain Reaction in Infants With Fever and Cerebrospinal Fluid Pleocytosis |journal=Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine |date=1 August 2000 |volume=154 |issue=8 |pages=817–821 |doi=10.1001/archpedi.154.8.817 |pmid=10922279 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rand |first1=Kenneth |last2=Houck |first2=Herbert |last3=Lawrence |first3=Robert |title=Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Cost Savings from Earlier Hospital Discharge |journal=The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics |date=October 2005 |volume=7 |issue=4 |pages=511–516 |doi=10.1016/S1525-1578(10)60582-X |pmid=16237221 |pmc=1888494 }}</ref>
* [[Polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR) has been a great advance in the diagnosis of some types of meningitis, such as meningitis from [[herpesvirus]] and [[enterovirus]]. It has high sensitivity and specificity for many infections of the CNS, is fast, and can be done with small volumes of CSF. Even though testing is expensive, cost analyses of PCR testing in neonatal patients demonstrated savings via reduced cost of hospitalization.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Nigrovic |first1=Lise E. |last2=Chiang |first2=Vincent W. |date=1 August 2000 |title=Cost Analysis of Enteroviral Polymerase Chain Reaction in Infants With Fever and Cerebrospinal Fluid Pleocytosis |journal=Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine |volume=154 |issue=8 |pages=817–821 |doi=10.1001/archpedi.154.8.817 |pmid=10922279 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Rand |first1=Kenneth |last2=Houck |first2=Herbert |last3=Lawrence |first3=Robert |date=October 2005 |title=Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Cost Savings from Earlier Hospital Discharge |journal=The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics |volume=7 |issue=4 |pages=511–516 |doi=10.1016/S1525-1578(10)60582-X |pmc=1888494 |pmid=16237221}}</ref>
* Numerous antibody-mediated tests for CSF are available in some countries: these include rapid tests for antigens of common bacterial pathogens, treponemal titers for the diagnosis of [[syphilis|neurosyphilis]] and [[Lyme disease]], [[Coccidioides]] antibody, and others.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
* Numerous antibody-mediated tests for CSF are available in some countries: these include rapid tests for antigens of common bacterial pathogens, treponemal titers for the diagnosis of [[syphilis|neurosyphilis]] and [[Lyme disease]], ''[[Coccidioides]]'' antibody, and others.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
* The [[India ink]] test is still used for detection of meningitis caused by [[Cryptococcus neoformans]],<ref name="pmid8862601">{{cite journal |last1=Zerpa |first1=R |last2=Huicho |first2=L |last3=Guillén |first3=A |title=Modified India ink preparation for Cryptococcus neoformans in cerebrospinal fluid specimens. |journal=Journal of Clinical Microbiology |date=September 1996 |volume=34 |issue=9 |pages=2290–1 |doi=10.1128/JCM.34.9.2290-2291.1996 |pmid=8862601 |pmc=229234 }}</ref><ref name="pmid17642731">{{cite journal |last1=Shashikala. |last2=Kanungo |first2=R |last3=Srinivasan |first3=S |last4=Mathew |first4=R |last5=Kannan |first5=M |title=Unusual morphological forms of Cryptococcus neoformans in cerebrospinal fluid. |journal=Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology |date=2004 |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=188–90 |doi=10.1016/S0255-0857(21)02835-8 |pmid=17642731 |doi-access=free }}</ref> but the cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) test has a higher sensitivity.<ref name="pmid16272534">{{cite journal |last1=Antinori |first1=S |last2=Radice |first2=A |last3=Galimberti |first3=L |last4=Magni |first4=C |last5=Fasan |first5=M |last6=Parravicini |first6=C |title=The role of cryptococcal antigen assay in diagnosis and monitoring of cryptococcal meningitis. |journal=Journal of Clinical Microbiology |date=November 2005 |volume=43 |issue=11 |pages=5828–9 |doi=10.1128/JCM.43.11.5828-5829.2005 |pmid=16272534 |pmc=1287839 }}</ref>
* The [[India ink]] test is still used for detection of meningitis caused by ''[[Cryptococcus neoformans]]'',<ref name="pmid8862601">{{Cite journal |last1=Zerpa |first1=R |last2=Huicho |first2=L |last3=Guillén |first3=A |date=September 1996 |title=Modified India ink preparation for Cryptococcus neoformans in cerebrospinal fluid specimens. |journal=Journal of Clinical Microbiology |volume=34 |issue=9 |pages=2290–1 |doi=10.1128/JCM.34.9.2290-2291.1996 |pmc=229234 |pmid=8862601}}</ref><ref name="pmid17642731">{{Cite journal |last1=Shashikala. |last2=Kanungo |first2=R |last3=Srinivasan |first3=S |last4=Mathew |first4=R |last5=Kannan |first5=M |date=2004 |title=Unusual morphological forms of Cryptococcus neoformans in cerebrospinal fluid. |journal=Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=188–90 |doi=10.1016/S0255-0857(21)02835-8 |pmid=17642731 |doi-access=free}}</ref> but the cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) test has a higher sensitivity.<ref name="pmid16272534">{{Cite journal |last1=Antinori |first1=S |last2=Radice |first2=A |last3=Galimberti |first3=L |last4=Magni |first4=C |last5=Fasan |first5=M |last6=Parravicini |first6=C |date=November 2005 |title=The role of cryptococcal antigen assay in diagnosis and monitoring of cryptococcal meningitis. |journal=Journal of Clinical Microbiology |volume=43 |issue=11 |pages=5828–9 |doi=10.1128/JCM.43.11.5828-5829.2005 |pmc=1287839 |pmid=16272534}}</ref>


===Chemistry===
===Chemistry===
Several substances found in cerebrospinal fluid are available for diagnostic measurement.
Several substances found in cerebrospinal fluid are available for diagnostic measurement.
* [[Glucose]] is present in the CSF; the level is usually about 60% that in the peripheral circulation.<ref name="pmid22316468">{{cite journal |last1=Nigrovic |first1=Lise E. |last2=Kimia |first2=Amir A. |last3=Shah |first3=Samir S. |last4=Neuman |first4=Mark I. |title=Relationship between Cerebrospinal Fluid Glucose and Serum Glucose |journal=New England Journal of Medicine |date=9 February 2012 |volume=366 |issue=6 |pages=576–578 |doi=10.1056/NEJMc1111080 |pmid=22316468 }}</ref> A fingerstick or venipuncture at the time of lumbar puncture may therefore be performed to assess peripheral glucose levels and determine a predicted CSF glucose value. Decreased [[glucose]] levels<ref name="pmid21032142">{{cite journal |last=Hendry |first=E |title=The blood and spinal fluid sugar and chloride content in meningitis |journal=Archives of Disease in Childhood |date=June 1939 |volume=14 |issue=78 |pages=159–72 |pmid=21032142 |pmc=1975626 |doi=10.1136/adc.14.78.159}}</ref> can indicate fungal, tuberculous<ref name="pmid14362261">{{cite journal |last=Gierson |first=HW |author2=Marx, JI |title=Tuberculous meningitis: the diagnostic and prognostic significance of spinal fluid sugar and chloride |journal=Annals of Internal Medicine |date=April 1955 |volume=42 |issue=4 |pages=902–8 |doi=10.7326/0003-4819-42-4-902 |pmid=14362261}}</ref> or pyogenic infections; lymphomas; leukemia spreading to the meninges; meningoencephalitic mumps; or hypoglycemia. A glucose level of less than one third of blood glucose levels in association with low CSF lactate levels is typical in hereditary CSF [[glucose transporter]] deficiency also known as [[De Vivo disease]].<ref name="pmid1714544">{{cite journal |last1=De Vivo |first1=Darryl C. |last2=Trifiletti |first2=Rosario R. |last3=Jacobson |first3=Ronald I. |last4=Ronen |first4=Gabriel M. |last5=Behmand |first5=Ramin A. |last6=Harik |first6=Sami I. |title=Defective Glucose Transport across the Blood-Brain Barrier as a Cause of Persistent Hypoglycorrhachia, Seizures, and Developmental Delay |journal=New England Journal of Medicine |date=5 September 1991 |volume=325 |issue=10 |pages=703–709 |doi=10.1056/NEJM199109053251006 |pmid=1714544 }}</ref>
* [[Glucose]] is present in the CSF; the level is usually about 60% that in the peripheral circulation.<ref name="pmid22316468">{{Cite journal |last1=Nigrovic |first1=Lise E. |last2=Kimia |first2=Amir A. |last3=Shah |first3=Samir S. |last4=Neuman |first4=Mark I. |date=9 February 2012 |title=Relationship between Cerebrospinal Fluid Glucose and Serum Glucose |journal=New England Journal of Medicine |volume=366 |issue=6 |pages=576–578 |doi=10.1056/NEJMc1111080 |pmid=22316468|doi-access=free }}</ref> A fingerstick or venipuncture at the time of lumbar puncture may therefore be performed to assess peripheral glucose levels and determine a predicted CSF glucose value. Decreased [[glucose]] levels<ref name="pmid21032142">{{Cite journal |last=Hendry |first=E |date=June 1939 |title=The blood and spinal fluid sugar and chloride content in meningitis |journal=Archives of Disease in Childhood |volume=14 |issue=78 |pages=159–72 |doi=10.1136/adc.14.78.159 |pmc=1975626 |pmid=21032142}}</ref> can indicate fungal, tuberculous<ref name="pmid14362261">{{Cite journal |last1=Gierson |first1=HW |last2=Marx, JI |date=April 1955 |title=Tuberculous meningitis: the diagnostic and prognostic significance of spinal fluid sugar and chloride |journal=Annals of Internal Medicine |volume=42 |issue=4 |pages=902–8 |doi=10.7326/0003-4819-42-4-902 |pmid=14362261}}</ref> or pyogenic infections; lymphomas; leukemia spreading to the meninges; meningoencephalitic mumps; or hypoglycemia. A glucose level of less than one third of blood glucose levels in association with low CSF lactate levels is typical in hereditary CSF [[glucose transporter]] deficiency also known as [[De Vivo disease]].<ref name="pmid1714544">{{Cite journal |last1=De Vivo |first1=Darryl C. |last2=Trifiletti |first2=Rosario R. |last3=Jacobson |first3=Ronald I. |last4=Ronen |first4=Gabriel M. |last5=Behmand |first5=Ramin A. |last6=Harik |first6=Sami I. |date=5 September 1991 |title=Defective Glucose Transport across the Blood-Brain Barrier as a Cause of Persistent Hypoglycorrhachia, Seizures, and Developmental Delay |journal=New England Journal of Medicine |volume=325 |issue=10 |pages=703–709 |doi=10.1056/NEJM199109053251006 |pmid=1714544|doi-access=free }}</ref>
* Increased glucose levels in the fluid can indicate diabetes, although the 60% rule still applies.<ref name="Leen">{{cite journal |last1=Leen |first1=Wilhelmina G. |last2=Willemsen |first2=Michèl A. |last3=Wevers |first3=Ron A. |last4=Verbeek |first4=Marcel M. |last5=Mendelson |first5=John E. |title=Cerebrospinal Fluid Glucose and Lactate: Age-Specific Reference Values and Implications for Clinical Practice |journal=PLOS One|date=6 August 2012 |volume=7 |issue=8 |pages=e42745 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0042745 |pmid=22880096 |pmc=3412827 |bibcode=2012PLoSO...742745L |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="pmid1205026">{{cite journal|last=Servo |first=C |author2=Pitkänen, E |title=Variation in polyol levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum in diabetic patients |journal=Diabetologia |date=December 1975 |volume=11 |issue=6 |pages=575–80 |pmid=1205026 |doi=10.1007/BF01222109|doi-access=free }}</ref>
* Increased glucose levels in the fluid can indicate diabetes, although the 60% rule still applies.<ref name="Leen">{{Cite journal |last1=Leen |first1=Wilhelmina G. |last2=Willemsen |first2=Michèl A. |last3=Wevers |first3=Ron A. |last4=Verbeek |first4=Marcel M. |last5=Mendelson |first5=John E. |date=6 August 2012 |title=Cerebrospinal Fluid Glucose and Lactate: Age-Specific Reference Values and Implications for Clinical Practice |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=7 |issue=8 |pages=e42745 |bibcode=2012PLoSO...742745L |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0042745 |pmc=3412827 |pmid=22880096 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name="pmid1205026">{{Cite journal |last1=Servo |first1=C |last2=Pitkänen, E |date=December 1975 |title=Variation in polyol levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum in diabetic patients |journal=Diabetologia |volume=11 |issue=6 |pages=575–80 |doi=10.1007/BF01222109 |pmid=1205026 |doi-access=free}}</ref>
* Increased levels of [[glutamine]]<ref name="clinicallabtesting.com">{{cite web|title=Cerebrospinal Fluid Glutamine |url=http://www.clinicallabtesting.com/sites/clc.nsf/c02b822416468c51852577d400624142/2efa1955a21173478525782f007eaaac!OpenDocument |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130811173523/http://www.clinicallabtesting.com/sites/clc.nsf/c02b822416468c51852577d400624142/2efa1955a21173478525782f007eaaac!OpenDocument |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 August 2013 |publisher=clinicallabtesting.com |access-date=11 August 2013}}</ref> are often involved with hepatic encephalopathies,<ref name="pmid5578559">{{cite journal |last1=Hourani |first1=Benjamin T. |last2=Hamlin |first2=EM |last3=Reynolds |first3=TB |title=Cerebrospinal Fluid Glutamine as a Measure of Hepatic Encephalopathy |journal=Archives of Internal Medicine |date=1 June 1971 |volume=127 |issue=6 |pages=1033–6 |doi=10.1001/archinte.1971.00310180049005 |pmid=5578559}}</ref><ref name="pmid7105954">{{cite journal |last1=Cascino |first1=A. |last2=Cangiano |first2=C. |last3=Fiaccadori |first3=F. |last4=Ghinelli |first4=F. |last5=Merli |first5=M. |last6=Pelosi |first6=G. |last7=Riggio |first7=O. |last8=Rossi Fanelli |first8=F. |last9=Sacchini |first9=D. |last10=Stortoni |first10=M. |last11=Capocaccia |first11=L. |s2cid=8186910 |title=Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid amino acid patterns in hepatic encephalopathy |journal=Digestive Diseases and Sciences |date=September 1982 |volume=27 |issue=9 |pages=828–32 |pmid=7105954 |doi=10.1007/BF01391377}}</ref> [[Reye's syndrome]],<ref name="pmid4830166">{{cite journal|last=Glasgow|first=Allen M.|author2=Dhiensiri, Kamnual |title=Improved Assay for Spinal Fluid Glutamine, and Values for Children with Reye's Syndrome|journal=Clinical Chemistry|date=June 1974|volume=20|issue=6|pages=642–644|doi=10.1093/clinchem/20.6.642|pmid=4830166|url=http://www.clinchem.org/content/20/6/642.full.pdf}}</ref><ref name="pmid6150706">{{cite journal |last=Watanabe |first=A |author2=Takei, N |author3=Higashi, T |author4=Shiota, T |author5=Nakatsukasa, H |author6=Fujiwara, M |author7=Sakata, T |author8= Nagashima, H |title=Glutamic acid and glutamine levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in hepatic encephalopathy |journal=Biochemical Medicine |date=October 1984 |volume=32 |issue=2 |pages=225–31 |pmid=6150706 |doi=10.1016/0006-2944(84)90076-0}}</ref> hepatic coma, [[cirrhosis]],<ref name="pmid7105954"/> hypercapnia and depression.<ref name="pmid10745050">{{cite journal|last=Levine|first=J|author2=Panchalingam, K |author3=Rapoport, A |author4=Gershon, S |author5=McClure, RJ |author6= Pettegrew, JW |s2cid=33396490|title=Increased cerebrospinal fluid glutamine levels in depressed patients |journal=Biological Psychiatry |date=1 April 2000 |volume=47 |issue=7 |pages=586–93 |pmid=10745050 |doi=10.1016/S0006-3223(99)00284-X}}</ref>
* Increased levels of [[glutamine]]<ref name="clinicallabtesting.com">{{Cite web |title=Cerebrospinal Fluid Glutamine |url=http://www.clinicallabtesting.com/sites/clc.nsf/c02b822416468c51852577d400624142/2efa1955a21173478525782f007eaaac!OpenDocument |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130811173523/http://www.clinicallabtesting.com/sites/clc.nsf/c02b822416468c51852577d400624142/2efa1955a21173478525782f007eaaac!OpenDocument |archive-date=11 August 2013 |access-date=11 August 2013 |publisher=clinicallabtesting.com}}</ref> are often involved with hepatic encephalopathies,<ref name="pmid5578559">{{Cite journal |last1=Hourani |first1=Benjamin T. |last2=Hamlin |first2=EM |last3=Reynolds |first3=TB |date=1 June 1971 |title=Cerebrospinal Fluid Glutamine as a Measure of Hepatic Encephalopathy |journal=Archives of Internal Medicine |volume=127 |issue=6 |pages=1033–6 |doi=10.1001/archinte.1971.00310180049005 |pmid=5578559}}</ref><ref name="pmid7105954">{{Cite journal |last1=Cascino |first1=A. |last2=Cangiano |first2=C. |last3=Fiaccadori |first3=F. |last4=Ghinelli |first4=F. |last5=Merli |first5=M. |last6=Pelosi |first6=G. |last7=Riggio |first7=O. |last8=Rossi Fanelli |first8=F. |last9=Sacchini |first9=D. |last10=Stortoni |first10=M. |last11=Capocaccia |first11=L. |date=September 1982 |title=Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid amino acid patterns in hepatic encephalopathy |journal=Digestive Diseases and Sciences |volume=27 |issue=9 |pages=828–32 |doi=10.1007/BF01391377 |pmid=7105954 |s2cid=8186910}}</ref> [[Reye's syndrome]],<ref name="pmid4830166">{{Cite journal |last1=Glasgow |first1=Allen M. |last2=Dhiensiri, Kamnual |date=June 1974 |title=Improved Assay for Spinal Fluid Glutamine, and Values for Children with Reye's Syndrome |url=http://www.clinchem.org/content/20/6/642.full.pdf |journal=Clinical Chemistry |volume=20 |issue=6 |pages=642–644 |doi=10.1093/clinchem/20.6.642 |pmid=4830166}}</ref><ref name="pmid6150706">{{Cite journal |last1=Watanabe |first1=A |last2=Takei, N |last3=Higashi, T |last4=Shiota, T |last5=Nakatsukasa, H |last6=Fujiwara, M |last7=Sakata, T |last8=Nagashima, H |date=October 1984 |title=Glutamic acid and glutamine levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in hepatic encephalopathy |journal=Biochemical Medicine |volume=32 |issue=2 |pages=225–31 |doi=10.1016/0006-2944(84)90076-0 |pmid=6150706}}</ref> hepatic coma, [[cirrhosis]],<ref name="pmid7105954" /> hypercapnia and depression.<ref name="pmid10745050">{{Cite journal |last1=Levine |first1=J |last2=Panchalingam, K |last3=Rapoport, A |last4=Gershon, S |last5=McClure, RJ |last6=Pettegrew, JW |date=1 April 2000 |title=Increased cerebrospinal fluid glutamine levels in depressed patients |journal=Biological Psychiatry |volume=47 |issue=7 |pages=586–93 |doi=10.1016/S0006-3223(99)00284-X |pmid=10745050 |s2cid=33396490}}</ref>
* Increased levels of [[lactic acid|lactate]] can occur the presence of [[cancer]] of the [[Central nervous system|CNS]], [[multiple sclerosis]], heritable mitochondrial disease, low blood pressure, low [[blood|serum]] [[phosphorus]], respiratory alkalosis, idiopathic seizures, [[traumatic brain injury]], cerebral ischemia, brain abscess, hydrocephalus, hypocapnia or bacterial meningitis.<ref name="Leen"/>
* Increased levels of [[lactic acid|lactate]] can occur the presence of [[cancer]] of the [[Central nervous system|CNS]], [[multiple sclerosis]], heritable mitochondrial disease, low blood pressure, low [[blood|serum]] [[phosphorus]], respiratory alkalosis, idiopathic seizures, [[traumatic brain injury]], cerebral ischemia, brain abscess, hydrocephalus, hypocapnia or bacterial meningitis.<ref name="Leen" />
* The enzyme [[lactate dehydrogenase]] can be measured to help distinguish meningitides of bacterial origin, which are often associated with high levels of the enzyme, from those of viral origin in which the enzyme is low or absent.<ref name="Stein1998">{{cite book|author=Jay H. Stein|title=Internal Medicine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mqg2dPYS-u0C&pg=PA1408|access-date=12 August 2013|year=1998|publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences|isbn=978-0-8151-8698-4|pages=1408–}}</ref>
* The enzyme [[lactate dehydrogenase]] can be measured to help distinguish meningitides of bacterial origin, which are often associated with high levels of the enzyme, from those of viral origin in which the enzyme is low or absent.<ref name="Stein1998">{{Cite book |last=Jay H. Stein |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mqg2dPYS-u0C&pg=PA1408 |title=Internal Medicine |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-8151-8698-4 |pages=1408– |access-date=12 August 2013}}</ref>
* Changes in total protein content of cerebrospinal fluid can result from pathologically increased permeability of the [[blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier]],<ref name="pmid14530572">{{cite journal|last=Reiber|first=Hansotto|title=Proteins in cerebrospinal fluid and blood: Barriers, CSF flow rate and source-related dynamics|journal=Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience|year=2003|volume=21|issue=3–4|pages=79–96|pmid=14530572|url=http://horeiber.de/pdf/6.pdf}}</ref> obstructions of CSF circulation, [[meningitis]], [[syphilis|neurosyphilis]], brain [[abscess]]es, subarachnoid [[hemorrhage]], [[polio]], collagen disease or [[Guillain–Barré syndrome]], leakage of CSF, increases in intracranial pressure, or [[hyperthyroidism]]. Very high levels of protein may indicate tuberculous meningitis or spinal block.
* Changes in total protein content of cerebrospinal fluid can result from pathologically increased permeability of the [[blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier]],<ref name="pmid14530572">{{Cite journal |last=Reiber |first=Hansotto |year=2003 |title=Proteins in cerebrospinal fluid and blood: Barriers, CSF flow rate and source-related dynamics |url=http://horeiber.de/pdf/6.pdf |journal=Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience |volume=21 |issue=3–4 |pages=79–96 |pmid=14530572}}</ref> obstructions of CSF circulation, [[meningitis]], [[syphilis|neurosyphilis]], brain [[abscess]]es, subarachnoid [[hemorrhage]], [[polio]], collagen disease or [[Guillain–Barré syndrome]], leakage of CSF, increases in intracranial pressure, or [[hyperthyroidism]]. Very high levels of protein may indicate tuberculous meningitis or spinal block.
* IgG synthetic rate is calculated from measured IgG and total protein levels; it is elevated in immune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, and [[neuromyelitis optica]] of Devic. [[Oligoclonal band]]s may be detected in CSF but not in serum, suggesting intrathecal antibody production.
* IgG synthetic rate is calculated from measured IgG and total protein levels; it is elevated in immune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, and [[neuromyelitis optica]] of Devic. [[Oligoclonal band]]s may be detected in CSF but not in serum, suggesting intrathecal antibody production.

{{CSF analysis}}
{| class="wikitable" style = "margin-left:15px; text-align:center"
|-
! Infection
! Appearance<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Conly |first1=John M. |last2=Ronald |first2=Allan R. |title=Cerebrospinal fluid as a diagnostic body fluid |journal=The American Journal of Medicine |date=July 1983 |volume=75 |issue=1 |pages=102–108 |doi=10.1016/0002-9343(83)90080-3 |pmid=6349337 }}</ref>
! WBCs / mm<sup>3</sup><ref name="Pearson 2012">{{cite journal |last1=Pearson |first1=Justin |last2=Fuller |first2=Geraint |title=Lumbar punctures and cerebrospinal fluid analysis |journal=Medicine |date=August 2012 |volume=40 |issue=8 |pages=459–462 |doi=10.1016/j.mpmed.2012.05.005 |s2cid=73285011 }}</ref>
! Protein (g/L)<ref name="Pearson 2012" />
! Glucose<ref name="Pearson 2012"/>
|-
|Normal
|Clear
|<5
|0.15 to 0.45
|> 2/3 of blood glucose
|-
| [[Bacterial meningitis|Bacterial]]
| Yellowish, turbid
| > 1,000 (mostly [[PMNs]])
| > 1
| Low
|-
| [[Viral meningitis|Viral]]
| Clear
| < 200 (mostly [[lymphocytes]])
| Mild increase
| Normal or mildly low
|-
| [[Tuberculous meningitis|Tuberculosis]]
| Yellowish and viscous
| Modest increase
| Markedly Increased
| Decreased
|-
|[[Fungal meningitis|Fungal]]
| Yellowish and viscous
| < 50 (mostly lymphocytes)
| Initially normal, then increased
| Normal or mildly low
|}


==History==
==History==
[[File:Meningitis - Lumbar puncture.jpg|thumb|Lumbar puncture, early 20th century.]]
[[File:Meningitis - Lumbar puncture.jpg|thumb|Lumbar puncture, early 20th century]]
The first technique for accessing the dural space was described by the London physician [[Walter Essex Wynter]]. In 1889 he developed a crude cut down with [[cannula]]tion in four patients with tuberculous meningitis. The main purpose was the treatment of raised intracranial pressure rather than for diagnosis.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Wynter W. E.|title= Four Cases of Tubercular Meningitis in Which Paracentesis of the Theca Vertebralis Was Performed for the Relief of Fluid Pressure|journal=Lancet |year=1891 |volume=1 |issue=3531 |pages=981–2 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(02)16784-5|url= https://zenodo.org/record/1683000}}</ref> The technique for needle lumbar puncture was then introduced by the German physician [[Heinrich Quincke]], who credits Wynter with the earlier discovery; he first reported his experiences at an [[internal medicine]] conference in [[Wiesbaden]], Germany, in 1891.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Quincke |first1=H |author-link=Heinrich Quincke |title=Verhandlungen des Congresses für Innere Medizin |trans-title=Negotiations of the Congress of Internal Medicine |language=de |journal=Proceedings of the Zehnter Congress |year=1891 |pages=321–31 }}</ref> He subsequently published a book on the subject.<ref>{{cite book|author=Quincke HI |author-link=Heinrich Quincke |title=Die Technik der Lumbalpunktion |trans-title=The technique of lumbar puncture |language=de |year=1902 |location=Berlin & Vienna }}{{page needed|date=April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{WhoNamedIt|doctor|504|Heinrich Irenaeus Quincke}}</ref>
The first technique for accessing the dural space was described by the London physician [[Walter Essex Wynter]]. In 1889 he developed a crude cut down with [[cannula]]tion in four patients with tuberculous meningitis. The main purpose was the treatment of raised intracranial pressure rather than for diagnosis.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Wynter W. E. |year=1891 |title=Four Cases of Tubercular Meningitis in Which Paracentesis of the Theca Vertebralis Was Performed for the Relief of Fluid Pressure |url=https://zenodo.org/record/1683000 |journal=Lancet |volume=1 |issue=3531 |pages=981–2 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(02)16784-5}}</ref> The technique for needle lumbar puncture was then introduced by the German physician [[Heinrich Quincke]], who credits Wynter with the earlier discovery; he first reported his experiences at an [[internal medicine]] conference in [[Wiesbaden]], Germany, in 1891.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Quincke |first=H |author-link=Heinrich Quincke |year=1891 |title=Verhandlungen des Congresses für Innere Medizin |trans-title=Negotiations of the Congress of Internal Medicine |journal=Proceedings of the Zehnter Congress |language=de |pages=321–31}}</ref> He subsequently published a book on the subject.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Quincke HI |title=Die Technik der Lumbalpunktion |year=1902 |location=Berlin & Vienna |language=de |trans-title=The technique of lumbar puncture |author-link=Heinrich Quincke}}{{page needed|date=April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{WhoNamedIt|doctor|504|Heinrich Irenaeus Quincke}}</ref>


The lumbar puncture procedure was taken to the United States by Arthur H. Wentworth an assistant professor at the [[Harvard Medical School]], based at [[Boston Children's Hospital|Children's Hospital]]. In 1893 he published a long paper on diagnosing cerebrospinal meningitis by examining spinal fluid.<ref name="lederer">{{cite book
The lumbar puncture procedure was taken to the United States by Arthur H. Wentworth an assistant professor at the [[Harvard Medical School]], based at [[Boston Children's Hospital|Children's Hospital]]. In 1893 he published a long paper on diagnosing cerebrospinal meningitis by examining spinal fluid.<ref name="lederer">{{Cite book |last=Susan E. Lederer |title=Subjected to Science: Human Experimentation in America Before the Second World War |publisher=JHU Press |year=1997 |isbn=978-0-8018-5709-6 |page=216}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=6F2lmCfiy8gC&pg=PA62 Page 62] has a reference to an 1896 publication in [[The New England Journal of Medicine|Boston Med. Surg. J]]</ref> However, he was criticized by [[vivisection|antivivisectionists]] for having obtained spinal fluid from children. He was acquitted, but, nevertheless, he was uninvited from the then forming [[Johns Hopkins School of Medicine]], where he would have been the first professor of [[pediatrics]].{{Citation needed|date=August 2008}}<!-- Page [https://books.google.com/books?id=6F2lmCfiy8gC&pg=PA70 Page 70] said he left Harvard and retained a position at Children's Hospital. -->
| author=Susan E. Lederer
| title=Subjected to Science: Human Experimentation in America Before the Second World War
| isbn=978-0-8018-5709-6
| year=1997
| publisher=JHU Press
| page=216
}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=6F2lmCfiy8gC&pg=PA62 Page 62] has a reference to an 1896 publication in [[The New England Journal of Medicine|Boston Med. Surg. J]]</ref> However, he was criticized by [[vivisection|antivivisectionists]] for having obtained spinal fluid from children. He was acquitted, but, nevertheless, he was uninvited from the then forming [[Johns Hopkins School of Medicine]], where he would have been the first professor of [[pediatrics]].{{Citation needed|date=August 2008}}<!-- Page [https://books.google.com/books?id=6F2lmCfiy8gC&pg=PA70 Page 70] said he left Harvard and retained a position at Children's Hospital. -->


Historically lumbar punctures were also employed in the process of performing a [[pneumoencephalography]], a nowadays obsolete X-ray imaging study of the brain that was performed extensively from the 1920s until the advent of modern non-invasive [[neuroimaging]] techniques such as [[magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] and [[X-ray computed tomography|CT]] in the 1970s. During this quite painful procedure, CSF was replaced with air or some other gas via the lumbar puncture in order to enhance the appearance of certain areas of the brain on [[projectional radiography|plain radiographs]].
Historically lumbar punctures were also employed in the process of performing a [[pneumoencephalography]], a nowadays obsolete X-ray imaging study of the brain that was performed extensively from the 1920s until the advent of modern non-invasive [[neuroimaging]] techniques such as [[magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] and [[X-ray computed tomography|CT]] in the 1970s. During this quite painful procedure, CSF was replaced with air or some other gas via the lumbar puncture in order to enhance the appearance of certain areas of the brain on [[projectional radiography|plain radiographs]].
Line 142: Line 181:


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* {{cite journal |last=Ellenby |first=MS |author2=Tegtmeyer, K |author3=Lai, S |author4= Braner, DA |title=Lumbar puncture |department=Videos in clinical medicine |journal=[[The New England Journal of Medicine]] |date=28 September 2006 |volume=355 |issue=13 |page=e12 |pmid=17005943 |doi=10.1056/NEJMvcm054952}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Ellenby |first1=MS |last2=Tegtmeyer, K |last3=Lai, S |last4=Braner, DA |date=28 September 2006 |title=Lumbar puncture |department=Videos in clinical medicine |journal=[[The New England Journal of Medicine]] |volume=355 |issue=13 |page=e12 |doi=10.1056/NEJMvcm054952 |pmid=17005943}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 152: Line 191:
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lumbar Puncture}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lumbar Puncture}}
[[Category:CSF tests]]
[[Category:CSF tests]]
[[Category:Neurology procedures]]
[[Category:Diagnostic neurology]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Veterinary diagnosis]]
[[Category:Veterinary diagnosis]]

[[ja:脳脊髄液#脳脊髄液を使った検査]]

Latest revision as of 21:45, 13 December 2024

Lumbar puncture
Lumbar puncture in a sitting position. The reddish-brown swirls on the patient's back are tincture of iodine (an antiseptic).
Other namesSpinal tap
ICD-9-CM03.31
MeSHD013129
eMedicine80773

Lumbar puncture (LP), also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the spinal canal, most commonly to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic testing. The main reason for a lumbar puncture is to help diagnose diseases of the central nervous system, including the brain and spine. Examples of these conditions include meningitis and subarachnoid hemorrhage. It may also be used therapeutically in some conditions. Increased intracranial pressure (pressure in the skull) is a contraindication, due to risk of brain matter being compressed and pushed toward the spine. Sometimes, lumbar puncture cannot be performed safely (for example due to a severe bleeding tendency). It is regarded as a safe procedure, but post-dural-puncture headache is a common side effect if a small atraumatic needle is not used.[1]

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia using a sterile technique. A hypodermic needle is used to access the subarachnoid space and collect fluid. Fluid may be sent for biochemical, microbiological, and cytological analysis. Using ultrasound to landmark may increase success.[2]

Lumbar puncture was first introduced in 1891 by the German physician Heinrich Quincke.

Medical uses

[edit]

The reason for a lumbar puncture may be to make a diagnosis[3][4][5] or to treat a disease, as outlined below.[4]

Diagnosis

[edit]

The chief diagnostic indications of lumbar puncture are for collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Analysis of CSF may exclude infectious,[4][6] inflammatory,[4] and neoplastic diseases[4] affecting the central nervous system. The most common purpose is in suspected meningitis,[7] since there is no other reliable tool with which meningitis, a life-threatening but highly treatable condition, can be excluded. A lumbar puncture can also be used to detect whether someone has Stage 1 or Stage 2 Trypanosoma brucei. Young infants commonly require lumbar puncture as a part of the routine workup for fever without a source.[8] This is due to higher rates of meningitis than in older persons. Infants also do not reliably show classic symptoms of meningeal irritation (meningismus) like neck stiffness and headache the way adults do.[7] In any age group, subarachnoid hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, benign intracranial hypertension, and many other diagnoses may be supported or excluded with this test. It may also be used to detect the presence of malignant cells in the CSF, as in carcinomatous meningitis or medulloblastoma. CSF containing less than 10 red blood cells (RBCs)/mm3 constitutes a "negative" tap in the context of a workup for subarachnoid hemorrhage, for example. Taps that are "positive" have an RBC count of 100/mm3 or more.[9]

Treatment

[edit]

Lumbar punctures may also be done to inject medications into the cerebrospinal fluid ("intrathecally"), particularly for spinal anesthesia[10] or chemotherapy.

Serial lumbar punctures may be useful in temporary treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). This disease is characterized by increased pressure of CSF which may cause headache and permanent loss of vision. While mainstays of treatment are medication, in some cases lumbar puncture performed multiple times may improve symptoms. It is not recommended as a staple of treatment due to discomfort and risk of the procedure, and the short duration of its efficacy.[11][12]

Additionally, some people with normal pressure hydrocephalus (characterized by urinary incontinence, a changed ability to walk properly, and dementia) receive some relief of symptoms after removal of CSF.[13]

Contraindications

[edit]

Lumbar puncture should not be performed in the following situations:

  • Idiopathic (unidentified cause) increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
    • Rationale: lumbar puncture in the presence of raised ICP may cause uncal herniation
    • Exception: therapeutic use of lumbar puncture to reduce ICP, but only if obstruction (for example in the third ventricle of the brain) has been ruled out
    • Precaution
      • CT brain, especially in the following situations
        • Age >65
        • Reduced GCS
        • Recent history of seizure
        • Focal neurological signs
        • Abnormal respiratory pattern
        • Hypertension with bradycardia and deteriorating consciousness
      • Ophthalmoscopy for papilledema
  • Bleeding diathesis (relative)
  • Infections
    • Skin infection at puncture site
  • Vertebral deformities (scoliosis or kyphosis), in hands of an inexperienced physician.[14][15]

Adverse effects

[edit]

Headache

[edit]

Post-dural-puncture headache with nausea is the most common complication; it often responds to pain medications and infusion of fluids. It was long taught that this complication can be prevented by strict maintenance of a supine posture for two hours after the successful puncture; this has not been borne out in modern studies involving large numbers of people. Doing the procedure with the person on their side might decrease the risk.[16] Intravenous caffeine injection is often quite effective in aborting these spinal headaches. A headache that is persistent despite a long period of bedrest and occurs only when sitting up may be indicative of a CSF leak from the lumbar puncture site. It can be treated by more bedrest, or by an epidural blood patch, where the person's own blood is injected back into the site of leakage to cause a clot to form and seal off the leak.[17]

The risk of headache and need for analgesia and blood patch is much reduced if "atraumatic" needles are used. This does not affect the success rate of the procedure in other ways.[18][19] Although the cost and difficulty are similar, adoption remains low, at only 16% c. 2014.[20]

The headaches may be caused by inadvertent puncture of the dura mater.[21]

Other

[edit]

Contact between the side of the lumbar puncture needle and a spinal nerve root can result in anomalous sensations (paresthesia) in a leg during the procedure; this is harmless and people can be warned about it in advance to minimize their anxiety if it should occur.

Serious complications of a properly performed lumbar puncture are extremely rare.[4] They include spinal or epidural bleeding, adhesive arachnoiditis and trauma to the spinal cord[10] or spinal nerve roots resulting in weakness or loss of sensation, or even paraplegia. The latter is exceedingly rare, since the level at which the spinal cord ends (normally the inferior border of L1, although it is slightly lower in infants) is several vertebral spaces above the proper location for a lumbar puncture (L3/L4). There are case reports of lumbar puncture resulting in perforation of abnormal dural arterio-venous malformations, resulting in catastrophic epidural hemorrhage; this is exceedingly rare.[10]

The procedure is not recommended when epidural infection is present or suspected, when topical infections or dermatological conditions pose a risk of infection at the puncture site or in patients with severe psychosis or neurosis with back pain. Some authorities believe that withdrawal of fluid when initial pressures are abnormal could result in spinal cord compression or cerebral herniation; others believe that such events are merely coincidental in time, occurring independently as a result of the same pathology that the lumbar puncture was performed to diagnose. In any case, computed tomography of the brain is often performed prior to lumbar puncture if an intracranial mass is suspected.[22]

CSF leaks can result from a lumbar puncture procedure.[23][24][25][26]

Technique

[edit]

Mechanism

[edit]

The brain and spinal cord are enveloped by a layer of cerebrospinal fluid, 125–150 mL in total (in adults) which acts as a shock absorber and provides a medium for the transfer of nutrients and waste products. The majority is produced by the choroid plexus in the brain and circulates from there to other areas, before being reabsorbed into the circulation (predominantly by the arachnoid granulations).[27]

The cerebrospinal fluid can be accessed most safely in the lumbar cistern. Below the first or second lumbar vertebrae (L1 or L2) the spinal cord terminates (conus medullaris). Nerves continue down the spine below this, but in a loose bundle of nerve fibers called the cauda equina. There is lower risk with inserting a needle into the spine at the level of the cauda equina because these loose fibers move out of the way of the needle without being damaged.[27] The lumbar cistern extends into the sacrum up to the S2 vertebra.[27]

Procedure

[edit]
Illustration depicting lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Spinal needles used in lumbar puncture
Illustration depicting common positions for lumbar puncture procedure

The person is usually placed on their side (left more commonly than right). The patient bends the neck so the chin is close to the chest, hunches the back, and brings knees toward the chest. This approximates a fetal position as much as possible. Patients may also sit on a stool and bend their head and shoulders forward. The area around the lower back is prepared using aseptic technique. Once the appropriate location is palpated, local anaesthetic is infiltrated under the skin and then injected along the intended path of the spinal needle. A spinal needle is inserted between the lumbar vertebrae L3/L4, L4/L5[10] or L5/S1[10] and pushed in until there is a "give" as it enters the lumbar cistern wherein the ligamentum flavum is housed. The needle is again pushed until there is a second 'give' that indicates the needle is now past the dura mater. The arachnoid membrane and the dura mater exist in flush contact with one another in the living person's spine due to fluid pressure from CSF in the subarachnoid space pushing the arachnoid membrane out towards the dura. Therefore, once the needle has pierced the dura mater it has also traversed the thinner arachnoid membrane. The needle is then in the subarachnoid space. The stylet from the spinal needle is then withdrawn and drops of cerebrospinal fluid are collected. The opening pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid may be taken during this collection by using a simple column manometer. The procedure is ended by withdrawing the needle while placing pressure on the puncture site. The spinal level is so selected to avoid spinal injuries.[10] In the past, the patient would lie on their back for at least six hours and be monitored for signs of neurological problems. There is no scientific evidence that this provides any benefit. The technique described is almost identical to that used in spinal anesthesia, except that spinal anesthesia is more often done with the patient in a seated position.[citation needed]

The upright seated position is advantageous in that there is less distortion of spinal anatomy which allows for easier withdrawal of fluid. Some practitioners prefer it for lumbar puncture in obese patients, where lying on their side would cause a scoliosis and unreliable anatomical landmarks. However, opening pressures are notoriously unreliable when measured in the seated position. Therefore, patients will ideally lie on their side if practitioners need to measure opening pressure.[citation needed]

Reinsertion of the stylet may decrease the rate of post lumbar puncture headaches.[15]

Although not available in all clinical settings, use of ultrasound is helpful for visualizing the interspinous space and assessing the depth of the spine from the skin. Use of ultrasound reduces the number of needle insertions and redirections, and results in higher rates of successful lumbar puncture.[28] If the procedure is difficult, such as in people with spinal deformities such as scoliosis, it can also be performed under fluoroscopy (under continuous X-ray imaging).[29]

Children

[edit]

In children, a sitting flexed position was as successful as lying on the side with respect to obtaining non-traumatic CSF, CSF for culture, and cell count. There was a higher success rate in obtaining CSF in the first attempt in infants younger than 12 months in the sitting flexed position.[30]

The spine of an infant at the time of birth differs from the adult spine. The conus medullaris (bottom of the spinal cord) terminates at the level of L1 in adults, but may range in term neonates (newly born babies) from L1–L3 levels.[31] It is important to insert the spinal needle below the conus medullaris at the L3/L4 or L4/L5 interspinous levels.[32] With growth of the spine, the conus typically reaches the adult level (L1) by 2 years of age.[31]

The ligamentum flavum and dura mater are not as thick in infants and children as they are in adults. Therefore, it is difficult to assess when the needle passes through them into the subarachnoid space because the characteristic "pop" or "give" may be subtle or nonexistent in the pediatric lumbar puncture. To decrease the chances of inserting the spinal needle too far, some clinicians use the "Cincinnati" method. This method involves removing the stylet of the spinal needle once the needle has advanced through the dermis. After removal of the stylet, the needle is inserted until CSF starts to come out of the needle. Once all of the CSF is collected, the stylet is then reinserted before removal of the needle.[32]

Newborn infants

[edit]

Lumbar punctures are often used to diagnose or verify an infection in very young babies and can cause quite a bit of pain unless appropriate pain control is used (analgesia).[8] Managing pain is important for infants undergoing this procedure.[8] Approaches for pain control include topical pain medications (anaesthetics such as lidocaine). The most effective approach for pain control in infants who require a lumbar puncture is not clear.[8]

Interpretation

[edit]

Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid generally includes a cell count and determination of the glucose and protein concentrations. The other analytical studies of cerebrospinal fluid are conducted according to the diagnostic suspicion.[4]

Pressure determination

[edit]
Lumbar puncture in a child suspected of having meningitis

Increased CSF pressure can indicate congestive heart failure, cerebral edema, subarachnoid hemorrhage, hypo-osmolality resulting from hemodialysis, meningeal inflammation, purulent meningitis or tuberculous meningitis, hydrocephalus, or pseudotumor cerebri.[27] In the setting of raised pressure (or normal pressure hydrocephalus, where the pressure is normal but there is excessive CSF), lumbar puncture may be therapeutic.[27]

Decreased CSF pressure can indicate complete subarachnoid blockage, leakage of spinal fluid, severe dehydration, hyperosmolality, or circulatory collapse. Significant changes in pressure during the procedure can indicate tumors or spinal blockage resulting in a large pool of CSF, or hydrocephalus associated with large volumes of CSF.[27]

Cell count

[edit]

The presence of white blood cells in cerebrospinal fluid is called pleocytosis. A small number of monocytes can be normal; the presence of granulocytes is always an abnormal finding. A large number of granulocytes often heralds bacterial meningitis. White cells can also indicate reaction to repeated lumbar punctures, reactions to prior injections of medicines or dyes, central nervous system hemorrhage, leukemia, recent epileptic seizure, or a metastatic tumor. When peripheral blood contaminates the withdrawn CSF, a common procedural complication, white blood cells will be present along with erythrocytes, and their ratio will be the same as that in the peripheral blood.[citation needed]

The finding of erythrophagocytosis,[33] where phagocytosed erythrocytes are observed, signifies haemorrhage into the CSF that preceded the lumbar puncture. Therefore, when erythrocytes are detected in the CSF sample, erythrophagocytosis suggests causes other than a traumatic tap, such as intracranial haemorrhage and haemorrhagic herpetic encephalitis. In which case, further investigations are warranted, including imaging and viral culture.[citation needed]

Microbiology

[edit]

CSF can be sent to the microbiology lab for various types of smears and cultures to diagnose infections.

  • Gram staining may demonstrate gram positive bacteria in bacterial meningitis.[34]
  • Microbiological culture is the gold standard for detecting bacterial meningitis. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can all be cultured by using different techniques.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been a great advance in the diagnosis of some types of meningitis, such as meningitis from herpesvirus and enterovirus. It has high sensitivity and specificity for many infections of the CNS, is fast, and can be done with small volumes of CSF. Even though testing is expensive, cost analyses of PCR testing in neonatal patients demonstrated savings via reduced cost of hospitalization.[35][36]
  • Numerous antibody-mediated tests for CSF are available in some countries: these include rapid tests for antigens of common bacterial pathogens, treponemal titers for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis and Lyme disease, Coccidioides antibody, and others.[citation needed]
  • The India ink test is still used for detection of meningitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans,[37][38] but the cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) test has a higher sensitivity.[39]

Chemistry

[edit]

Several substances found in cerebrospinal fluid are available for diagnostic measurement.

  • Glucose is present in the CSF; the level is usually about 60% that in the peripheral circulation.[40] A fingerstick or venipuncture at the time of lumbar puncture may therefore be performed to assess peripheral glucose levels and determine a predicted CSF glucose value. Decreased glucose levels[41] can indicate fungal, tuberculous[42] or pyogenic infections; lymphomas; leukemia spreading to the meninges; meningoencephalitic mumps; or hypoglycemia. A glucose level of less than one third of blood glucose levels in association with low CSF lactate levels is typical in hereditary CSF glucose transporter deficiency also known as De Vivo disease.[43]
  • Increased glucose levels in the fluid can indicate diabetes, although the 60% rule still applies.[44][45]
  • Increased levels of glutamine[46] are often involved with hepatic encephalopathies,[47][48] Reye's syndrome,[49][50] hepatic coma, cirrhosis,[48] hypercapnia and depression.[51]
  • Increased levels of lactate can occur the presence of cancer of the CNS, multiple sclerosis, heritable mitochondrial disease, low blood pressure, low serum phosphorus, respiratory alkalosis, idiopathic seizures, traumatic brain injury, cerebral ischemia, brain abscess, hydrocephalus, hypocapnia or bacterial meningitis.[44]
  • The enzyme lactate dehydrogenase can be measured to help distinguish meningitides of bacterial origin, which are often associated with high levels of the enzyme, from those of viral origin in which the enzyme is low or absent.[52]
  • Changes in total protein content of cerebrospinal fluid can result from pathologically increased permeability of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier,[53] obstructions of CSF circulation, meningitis, neurosyphilis, brain abscesses, subarachnoid hemorrhage, polio, collagen disease or Guillain–Barré syndrome, leakage of CSF, increases in intracranial pressure, or hyperthyroidism. Very high levels of protein may indicate tuberculous meningitis or spinal block.
  • IgG synthetic rate is calculated from measured IgG and total protein levels; it is elevated in immune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, and neuromyelitis optica of Devic. Oligoclonal bands may be detected in CSF but not in serum, suggesting intrathecal antibody production.
Infection Appearance[54] WBCs / mm3[55] Protein (g/L)[55] Glucose[55]
Normal Clear <5 0.15 to 0.45 > 2/3 of blood glucose
Bacterial Yellowish, turbid > 1,000 (mostly PMNs) > 1 Low
Viral Clear < 200 (mostly lymphocytes) Mild increase Normal or mildly low
Tuberculosis Yellowish and viscous Modest increase Markedly Increased Decreased
Fungal Yellowish and viscous < 50 (mostly lymphocytes) Initially normal, then increased Normal or mildly low

History

[edit]
Lumbar puncture, early 20th century

The first technique for accessing the dural space was described by the London physician Walter Essex Wynter. In 1889 he developed a crude cut down with cannulation in four patients with tuberculous meningitis. The main purpose was the treatment of raised intracranial pressure rather than for diagnosis.[56] The technique for needle lumbar puncture was then introduced by the German physician Heinrich Quincke, who credits Wynter with the earlier discovery; he first reported his experiences at an internal medicine conference in Wiesbaden, Germany, in 1891.[57] He subsequently published a book on the subject.[58][59]

The lumbar puncture procedure was taken to the United States by Arthur H. Wentworth an assistant professor at the Harvard Medical School, based at Children's Hospital. In 1893 he published a long paper on diagnosing cerebrospinal meningitis by examining spinal fluid.[60] However, he was criticized by antivivisectionists for having obtained spinal fluid from children. He was acquitted, but, nevertheless, he was uninvited from the then forming Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he would have been the first professor of pediatrics.[citation needed]

Historically lumbar punctures were also employed in the process of performing a pneumoencephalography, a nowadays obsolete X-ray imaging study of the brain that was performed extensively from the 1920s until the advent of modern non-invasive neuroimaging techniques such as MRI and CT in the 1970s. During this quite painful procedure, CSF was replaced with air or some other gas via the lumbar puncture in order to enhance the appearance of certain areas of the brain on plain radiographs.

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[edit]
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Further reading

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