Things to note 6 hours after lumbar puncture

Lumbar puncture is an important examination method in neurology. It can be used to examine many nerve-related diseases and avoid unnecessary serious consequences. However, the operation has negative effects. Ordinary people should carefully choose their own examination method after careful consideration. During this period, they need to consult a doctor and do not conduct the examination blindly. So, what should you pay attention to six hours after a lumbar puncture?

1. Indications

1. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system: including purulent meningitis, tuberculous meningitis, viral meningitis, fungal meningitis, Japanese encephalitis, etc.

2. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident: including cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, subarachnoid hemorrhage, etc.

3. Diagnosis and treatment of tumor diseases: used to diagnose meningeal leukemia and treat meningeal leukemia by intrathecal injection of chemotherapy drugs through lumbar puncture.

4. Measure the intracranial pressure and understand whether the subarachnoid space is blocked.

5. Intrathecal administration.

2. Precautions

Do not use a pillow after lumbar puncture and lie flat for more than 6 hours. Raising your head or getting up too early may cause headaches, vomiting, or even brain hernia. As long as you lie flat for more than 6 hours as required, there will be no adverse reactions after the puncture.

The following points should be noted during lumbar puncture:

1. Strictly observe the contraindications. Anyone suspected of having increased intracranial pressure must first undergo a fundus examination. If there is obvious papilledema or signs of brain herniation, puncture is contraindicated.

2. If the patient shows symptoms such as abnormal breathing, pulse, or complexion during puncture, the operation should be stopped immediately and appropriate treatment should be taken.

3. When administering the drug intrathecally, an equal amount of cerebrospinal fluid should be released first, and then an equal amount of conversion solution should be injected.

4. After the needle penetrates the subcutaneous tissue, it should be inserted slowly to avoid injuring the cauda equina nerve or blood vessels due to excessive force, which may cause lower limb pain or mix cerebrospinal fluid with blood and affect the judgment of the results.

5. Puncture is contraindicated for patients who are in shock, exhaustion or endangered state, or who have local skin inflammation, space-occupying lesions in the posterior cranial fossa, or brainstem symptoms.

6. When doing a pneumoencephalogram, first slowly drain 10 ml of fluid, then inject 10 ml of filtered air, and repeat this process until the required amount is reached before taking an X-ray.