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Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can provide useful diagnostic information. As noted in Chapter 6, CSF is usually obtained from the lumbar subarachnoid space via a spinal tap, also called a lumbar puncture. Usually, this is carried out at the L3–4 or L4–5 interspace, with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. In some cases, it is easier to perform lumbar puncture with the patient in a sitting position. Because the spinal cord in adults ends at the L1–2 level, lumbar puncture can be performed below that level (and above the sacrum) without injuring the cord.
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There are several indications for lumbar puncture:
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To verify suspected infection of the central nervous system (meningitis, encephalitis).
To determine whether there is hemorrhage within the central nervous system, that is, for the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage if there is a high index of suspicion on clinical grounds and when computed tomography scanning is negative or unavailable.
To examine the chemical and immunologic profile of the CSF to aid the diagnosis of disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
To obtain cells for cytologic examination when carcinomatous meningitis (seeding of the meninges with neoplastic cells) is a diagnostic possibility.
The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency. Untreated bacterial meningitis is almost always fatal, and the outcome of meningitis after treatment is much better if diagnosis is made and the patient is treated early in the clinical course. Similarly, early recognition and management of subarachnoid hemorrhage are high priorities, because rebleeding and vasospasm commonly occur and can lead to worsening or death, unless appropriate therapy is instituted.
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Several important contraindications to lumbar puncture exist:
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In patients in whom there is increased intracranial pressure—or when there is the possibility of an intracranial mass, especially in the posterior fossa—spinal puncture must be done extremely carefully or not at all. This is because shifts in CSF dynamics, as a result of lumbar puncture, can precipitate herniation of the tonsils of the cerebellum through the foramen magnum, with resultant compression of the medulla. Thus, in patients with suspected intracranial mass lesions, or in those in whom there is papilledema, lumbar puncture should be deferred until imaging has ruled out incipient herniation or a neurologist or neurosurgeon has been consulted.
Infection (or suspected infection) at the site of lumbar puncture constitutes a contraindication because the needle can introduce the organism into the underlying subarachnoid space. Suspected epidural abscess at the puncture site is thus a contraindication.
Coagulation disorders in patients with thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, and so forth can be followed by subdural or epidural bleeding at the site of lumbar puncture. Lumbar puncture under these circumstances should be performed only if the possible benefits outweigh the risks and then only after the coagulation disorder has been corrected, if possible.