If Meningitis Is Suspected And The MD Orders A Lumbar Puncture, Is There Any Medical Reason?

Posted on Thu, 3 Feb 2022

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 3 Feb 2022 Answered on

Mon, 2 Dec 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : If meningitis is suspected and the MD orders a lumbar puncture, is there any medical reason for specifically requesting that opening pressure NOT be measured? WHy would the MD do this?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Opening pressure is always required.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

Opening pressure is always required when doing a lumbar puncture. Failing to do so could mean missing the diagnosis.
In my knowledge, there is no cause why the MD would not require the opening pressure.

Hope my answer was helpful.
If you have further queries feel free to contact me again.

Kind regards!

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi
General &Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Dr. Yogesh D