Lumbar puncture

Question 1

indications

Answer 1

meningitis 
meningoencephalitis
malignancy 
idiopathic intracranial haemorrhage 
other neuro Sx
infusion of drugs or contrast

Question 2

contraindications

Answer 2

• unstable pt w CVS or resp instability
• localised skin/soft tissue infection over puncture site
• unstable bleeding disorder
• raised ICP

Question 3

site

Answer 3

L3-4 space
or
L4-5 space

Question 4

complications

Answer 4

headache 
apnoea
back pain 
bleeding
infeciton 
pain 
haematoma 
subarachnoid epidermal cyst

Question 5

risk factors for developing spinal headache

Answer 5

female
18-30yrs
lower BMI

Question 6

avoiding spinal headache

Answer 6

• passing needle bevel parallel to longitidinal fibres of dura
• replacing stylet befoer removing needle
• use small needle diamter
• use atrauamtic needles