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The role of lumbar puncture in the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage when computed tomography is unavailable

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

David Mann
David Mann*
Affiliation:
Emergency Department, Powell River General Hospital, Powell River, BC
*
Powell River General Hospital, 5000 Joyce Ave., Powell River BC V8A 5R3

Abstract

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Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an important but uncommon condition in the differential diagnosis of acute headache. Most authorities recommend that patients with suspected SAH undergo noncontrast computed tomography (CT) as a first diagnostic intervention. If the results of the CT scan are negative, a lumbar puncture should be performed. Many nonurban Canadian hospitals do not have CT scanners and must either transfer patients or consider performing lumbar puncture prior to CT. In selected patients, performing lumbar puncture first may be an option, but timing of the procedure and the interpretation of results is important.

Keywords

Subarachnoid hemorrhagelumbar puncturecomputed tomographyrural emergency
Type
Small Urban and Rural Issues Médecine rurale et des petits centres urbains
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 4 , Issue 2 , March 2002 , pp. 102 - 105
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2002

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