When is Lumbar Puncture necessary in the diagnostic workup?
When symptoms are of short duration (<6 months) or have atypical features, such as rapid progression or severe confusion, an Lumbar Puncture should be performed early.
It also should be done if clinical or laboratory features suggest a specific etiology that is an indication for Lumbar Puncture, such as meningitis or CNS vasculitis.
Cerebrospinal fluid levels of amyloid beta protein (low) and tau proteins (high) can support a diagnosis of Alzheimers Disease in the prodromal and clinical stages.
