Lateral cervical puncture: an alternative to lumbar puncture.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Medical Procedures

Background:

• Lumbar puncture is the standard method for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) acquisition.
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is crucial for diagnosing various neurological conditions.
• Alternative CSF acquisition methods are explored to improve safety and accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate lateral cervical puncture as a safe and effective alternative to lumbar puncture.
• To compare the characteristics of CSF obtained via lateral cervical puncture with those from lumbar puncture.

Main Methods:

• Lateral cervical puncture was performed in a small cohort of patients.
• Cerebrospinal fluid samples were analyzed for normality.
• Comparison of CSF parameters with established normal ranges from lumbar puncture.

Main Results:

• Lateral cervical puncture was technically simple to perform.
• The procedure demonstrated a lower potential for major complications compared to suboccipital puncture.
• Analyzed CSF samples from lateral cervical puncture were within the normal range, consistent with lumbar puncture findings.

Conclusions:

• Lateral cervical puncture is a viable and potentially safer alternative for CSF acquisition.
• The technique offers a promising option for clinical practice, warranting further investigation.