CSF chemistry

Alternative names:

chemistry - CSF

What the risks are:

• Risks of lumbar puncture include:
  • hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to the anesthetic
  • discomfort during the test
  • headache after the test
  • bleeding into the spinal canal
  • brain herniation (if performed on a person with increased intracranial pressure), and resulting in brain damage and/or death
  • damage to the spinal cord (particularly if the person moves during the test)

Cisternal puncture or ventricular puncture carries additional risk of damage to the brainstem or brain tissue and risk of bleeding within the brain, resulting in incapacitation or death.

Special considerations:

Not applicable.