CSF smear

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CSF smear

Spinal fluid smear

• Risks of lumbar puncture include:
  • Hypersensitivity (allergic reaction to the anesthetic)
  • Discomfort during the test
  • Headache after the test
  • Leaking of CSF after the test
  • Bleeding into the spinal canal
• Brain herniation (if performed on a person with increased intracranial pressure), potentially resulting in brain damage and/or death
• Damage to the spinal cord (particularly if the person moves during the test)

Not applicable.

Review Date: 02/10/2006
Reviewed By: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.