ABSTRACT
The usual indications for lumbar puncture, that is, tapping of the subarachnoid space in the
lumbar region, include the following: to diagnose suspected CNS infection; to diagnose
subarachnoid hemorrhage (if CT scan is normal); to diagnose certain demyelinating
neurologic diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis); to treat pseudotumor cerebri; and to admini-
ster antibiotics, analgesics, and chemotherapy.
