RSS Feeds
The Diagnostic Spinal Tap
Excerpt
Since its description in the late 1800s (1, 2), the spinal tap, or lumbar puncture, has become a mainstay of neurologic diagnosis. As with other body fluids, examination of the cerebrospinal fluid has a number of applications. Because only a few applications yield a precise diagnosis, the lumbar puncture is most useful when cerebrospinal fluid patterns are related to clinical findings.
The basic techniques for doing the lumbar puncture have been well described (3, 4) and include several important components. Patient reassurance and proper positioning are important. The most commonly used cerebrospinal fluid tests include cell count (both total
This 100-word excerpt has been provided in the absence of an abstract.
Article and Author Information
-
↵* This paper was authored by Keith I. Marton, M.D., and Alisa D. Gean, M.D., and was developed for the Health and Public Policy Committee by the Clinical Efficacy Assessment Subcommittee: Richard G. Farmer, M.D., Chairman; Harold C. Sox, Jr., M.D.; Lockhart B. McGuire, M.D.; Richard B. Hornick, M.D.; John S. Davis IV, M.D.; Earl P. Steinberg, M.D. Members of the Health and Public Policy Committee for the 1985-86 term include Edwin P. Maynard III, M.D., Chairman; John H. Eisenberg, M.D.; Richard G. Farmer, M.D.; Boy Frame, M.D.; John R. Hogness, M.D.; William L. Hughes, M.D.; Charles E. Lewis, M.D.; Malcolm L. Peterson, M.D.; Richard J. Reitemeier, M.D.; Helen L. Smits, M.D.; and Paul D. Stolley, M.D. This paper was adopted by the Board of Regents on 26 July 1985.
-
▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Linda Johnson White; Division of Scientific Activities, Health and Public Policy Committee, American College of Physicians, 4200 Pine Street; Philadelphia, PA 19104.
- © 1986 American College of Physicians
