Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Lumbar Puncture
Kari Bradham, DO
August 4th, 2011
Overview
Lumbar Puncture:
Indications/Contraindications
Procedure
Interpreting Results
Bacterial Meningitis
Arboviruses
Influenza
Viral Meningitis: Treatment
Therapeutic:
Introducing chemotherapy or contrast
Removal of CSF
Lumbar Puncture:
Contraindications
Absolute:
Increased ICP
Relative:
Cardiopulmonary instability
Soft tissue infection at puncture site
Bleeding diathesis:
• Active bleeding
• Platelet count <50,000
• INR > 1.4
Lumbar Puncture: Patient
Counseling
Provide a clear explanation of the
indications of the procedure, as well
as the details of the procedure itself.
In order to obtain informed consent,
you must list both risks and benefits.
Lumbar Puncture: Patient
Counseling cont.
Risks:
Postspinal headache
Epidermoid tumor
Infection
Cerebral herniation
Spinal hematoma
Benefits:
The benefit of early diagnosis far outweighs
the risk of the procedure if there are no
contraindications.
Lumbar Puncture: Anatomy
Please be
courteous and
clean up your own
mess. Dispose of
all unused sharps
before throwing
away the kit.
Lumbar Puncture:
Troubleshooting
Bony resistance:
Increase flexion of patient, or
Withdraw needle to soft tissue and re-
palpate to make sure spine is not rotated.
Poor flow:
Rotate needle by 90 degrees
Replace stylet and advance slightly
Pull needle back and redirect
Remove needle and attempt different site
*You must use a new needle at this time.
Lumbar Puncture:
Troubleshooting cont.
Traumatic Tap:
Occurs when needle hits venous
plexus
CSF typically clears if in subarachnoid
space
Remove needle and reattempt with
new needle if clot forms or fluid
doesn’t clear.
Lumbar Puncture:
Interpreting Results Cont.