[A new technic for preventing post-puncture complications following diagnostic lumbar puncture]

We investigated the clinical relevance of a new lumbar-puncture technique for prevention of headache. The spinal meninges were penetrated with a conventional puncture-needle with its bevel adjusted parallel to the main fibre direction, contrary to that in the usual technique. We used this method in 12 patients and only 1 complained of headache. On the other hand 9 patients out of 12 suffered from headache after conventional lumbar-puncture. These results demonstrate that post-lumbar puncture headache can be prevented by this technique in a high proportion of patients.