Neurodiagnostics Flashcards
What is the only possible indication for a cisternal (foramen magnum) puncture?
Spinal block
What spinal level corresponds to the axial plane of the iliac crests?
L3-L4
What is the most common cause of dry tap?
Improperly placed needle; other causes
- compressive lesion of the cauda equina
- adhesive arachnoiditis
What is the proportion of patients undergoing LP that develop headache?
1/3
What parameters must be ensured prior to doing LP?
INR >1.4
PLT
What is the normal ICP?
10-18 cm H2O
8-14 mm Hg
Note 1mmgHg = 1.3cmH20
What ICP indicated intracranial hypotension?
50 mm H20 and below
What is the test for spinal subarachnoid block?
Queckenstedt test. Normally there should be a rapid rise in CSF pressure within a few seconds after application of the pressure on the vein
A hazy ground glass appearance of CSF indicates how much RBC currently present in the CSF?
At least 200 rbc per cubic mm
T or F. Fibrinous webs and blood clots form in traumatic taps but not in CSF which have instrinsic RBC
T. CSF that really has RBC will have already been much diluted and defibrinated by CSF enzymes
What are the pigments that color the CSF following SAH?
Oxyhemoglobin: red
Bilirubin: canary yellow
Methemoglobin: brown
What protein level imparts xanthochromia
150mg/100ml
What are ddx for eosinophils in the CSF?
- Hodgkin disease
- Parasitic infection
- Neurosyphilis
- Cholesterol emboli
What are the normal protein concentrations
- Cord
- Basal cisterns
- Ventricles
- 45-50
- 10-25
- 5-15
What are the CSF correction factors
1000 RBC = 1mg CHON = 1-2 WBC