Lumbar Puncture Flashcards
where is an LP done
L3-4/L4-5
4 diseases it is used to investigate
meningitis, subarachnoid haemorrhage, malignancy, MS
would you do an LP in someone with raised ICP
no
5 contraindications of CSF
CVS/Resp instability infection at puncture site unstable bleeding disorder raised ICP chiari malformations
why is an LP done at L3-4/L-5
the spinal cord is terminated at this point (L1-2) and good intervertebral space
name of position you do an LP in
lateral decubitus
what secondary test can be done on LP
manometry - measure the CSF pressure
common lab tests of CSF
culture, stain, glucose, protein, cell count
position in an infant LP
sitting holding hand and feet together
true/false CSF pressure can be measured accurately in the sitting position
false - only in lateral decubitus
which of the following is not a complication of an LP:
a. back pain
b. stroke
c. headache
d. infection
e. subarachnoid epidermal cyst
f. brainstem herniation (coning)
g. nerve trauma
b. stroke
who are LP headaches most common in
young adult females, lower BMI, PMH
treatment of spinal headache
hydration and IV caffeine and epidural blood patch
what does nerve trauma present like
back pain, electric shock
if something goes wrong in an LP, what is pretty much always the best thing to do
withdraw the needle immediately
