In children, primary emergency indications for lumbar puncture (LP) consist of the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) infection or, less commonly, subarachnoid hemorrhage. LP is also used for diagnostic testing (eg, suspicion for idiopathic intracranial hypertension, Guillain-Barré, juvenile multiple sclerosis, or metabolic disease), administration of intrathecal medications, and spinal anesthesia.
●Contraindications
Prior to performing an LP, the clinician should assess for potential contraindications including signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), respiratory distress, hemodynamic instability, skin or soft tissue infection at the puncture site, or bleeding disorder.
