ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on the insertion of a lumbar drain. It begins with a case scenario of a 44-year-old woman who is presented with a 1-week history of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea after head trauma and known cribriform fracture. The chapter then includes details on indications, contraindications, and information about supplies, positioning and technique. Pearls and pitfalls are also incorporated, providing additional insights and practical advice not always available in other textbooks or articles. Patients should be on antibiotics with gram-positive coverage while the lumbar drain is in place. The patient's head is raised to help deliver more CSF to the lumbar thecal sac.
