lumbar puncture Flashcards
1
Q
when is lumbar puncture indicated
A
headache
infection
inflammation
cancer
2
Q
what is measured on an LP
A
opening pressure - <20cm WCC - <5, no neutrophils RBC - 0 protein - <0.45/L glucose - approx 2/3 of plasma glucose
3
Q
normal opening pressure normal WCC no RBC protein normal glucose normal oligoclonal bands
A
inflammatory disorder of the CNS
MS
transverse myelitis etc
4
Q
normal OP increased lymphocytes slightly raised protein increased RBC normal glucose
A
viral infection
Herpes simplex encephalitis most common form of viral encephalitis
5
Q
normal OP normal cell count increased protein level normal glucose no RBC
A
GB
cytoalbumologic
6
Q
normal OP normal cell count normal protein high RBC xanthochromia normal glucose
A
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
xanthochromia = raised bilirubin and oxyhaemaglobin
7
Q
high OP high cell count - neutrophils normal protein normal glucose no RBC
A
bacterial meningitis
8
Q
high OP normal cell count normal protein normal glucose no RBC
A
raised ICP
9
Q
normal OP high cell count - lymphocytes raised protein normal glucose no RBC
A
HIV
10
Q
contraindications of LP
A
skin infection near sight of LP
suspicion of raised intracranial pressure due to a cerebral mass
acute spinal cord trauma
uncorrected coagulopathy
11
Q
anatomy of LP
A
SC reaches L1 or superior aspect of L2
L2-3, 3-4, or 4-5 are all suitable for LP
