Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who does a lumbar puncture?Lumbar puncture is usually done by a doctor who is skilled in the procedure.
2. Why is CSF pressure measured?
CSF pressure reflects the intracranial pressure. Increase in intracranial pressure can be caused by tumor or mass in the brain, swelling of brain and bleeding into the brain, infection and inflammation. Increased intracranial can be life threatening unless promptly diagnosed and treated.
3. Is there any alternative procedure to obtain CSF?
In some persons with infection at the site of lumbar puncture or stiffness of the spine, or spinal trauma, CSF may be obtained from the upper spinal canal via a needle inserted into the back of the neck (cisternal puncture).
