Computed tomography of the head before lumbar puncture in adults with suspected meningitis
Landmark Article?:
Yes
Journal Name:
EJM
Year Published:
2001
Article Keywords:
lumbar pucture, meningitis, CT scan
Article Brief Summary:
The article on who to CT before an LP for meningitis, adults only.
Bottom line: Can do LP without Ct scans in those age <60, no seizures in the previous week, not immunocompromised, no prior hx of CNS disease AND normal neuro exam, which they defined as normal level of consciousness; able to answer two consecutive questions or follow two consecutive commands; no gaze palsies; no visual field deficit; no focal weakness (CN or extremities); normal language. I thought o papilledema was here as well, but glancing at it now cannot find it.
