CSF Cell Count
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Risks
- Risks of lumbar puncture include:
- hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to the anesthetic
- discomfort during the test
- headache after the test
- bleeding into the spinal canal
- infection
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Brain herniation (if performed on a person with increased intracranial pressure), resulting in brain damage and/or death. This test is not done if an examination or a CT scan or MRI reveals signs of increased intracranial pressure.
- Damage to the spinal cord does not occur as the needle is inserted below the level where the cord ends. However, there may be transient leg discomfort if a nerve root is irritated by the needle. This passes when the needle is withdrawn and replaced.
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