CSF cell count
Risks
Risks of lumbar puncture include: - Allergic reaction to the anesthetic
- Discomfort during the test
- Headache after the test
- Bleeding into the spinal canal
- Infection
Brain herniation may occur if performed on a person with a mass in the brain such as a tumor or abscess. This can result in brain damage or death. For this reason, a lumbar puncture is not done if other tests show signs of a tumor or abscess.
There may be temporary leg discomfort if a nerve root is irritated by the needle. This passes when the needle is withdrawn.
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