[Diagnostik Lumbar Puncture - Step by Step].

Performing a diagnostic lumbar puncture is an essential clinical skill for the clinician. The procedure is of high importance for both, the emergency care for patients with suspected infection of the cerebral nervous system or subarachnoidal hemorrhage, as well as the elective diagnostic work up of chronic disease including multiple sclerosis and dementia. Furthermore the technique's principles are applied for spinal anesthesia or the intrathecal administration of drugs. This article describes a Standard Operating Procedure for the lumbar puncture step by step. Based on the latest evidence, it particularly focusses on clinically relevant questions and practical aspects.
Competing Interests: Die Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht.
(© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)