The role of LP in NDs where there is no neuroimaging

Citation: 
William P. Howlett
Publication year: 
2018

A lumbar puncture (LP) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination is often the only available investigation in Africa that can confirm or exclude a treatable neurological disorder (ND). NDs are common in Africa accounting for up to 20% of adult hospital admissions with an overall lesser burden in children. The main treatable causes are infections which include, acute bacterial meningitis (ABM), cryptococcal meningitis (CM), tuberculous meningitis (TBM), toxoplasmosis and malaria. Other neurological disorders where an LP may be diagnostic include encephalitis, inflammation, vasculitis, strokes, subarachnoid haemorrhage, paraplegia and polyneuropathies.