CSF cell count

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CSF cell count

• Risks of lumbar puncture include:
  • hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to the anesthetic
  • discomfort during the test
  • headache after the test
  • bleeding into the spinal canal
  • infection
• Brain herniation (if performed on a person with increased intracranial pressure ), resulting in brain damage and/or death. This test is not done if an examination or a CT scan or MRI reveals signs of increased intracranial pressure.
• Damage to the spinal cord does not occur as the needle is inserted below the level where the cord ends. However, there may be transient leg discomfort if a nerve root is irritated by the needle. This passes when the needle is withdrawn and replaced.

Review Date: 04/28/2005
Reviewed By: Chitra R. Uppaluri, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.