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LP Safety: CT Before Lumbar Puncture?

Decides whether it's safe to perform a lumbar puncture now — screening for absolute contraindications, herniation risk that mandates CT first, and correctable bleeding risks.

Any absolute contraindications to LP?
Any one of these is a hard stop.
Absolute ContraindicationsSuperficial skin infection overlying the puncture site
Spinal epidural abscess
Significant trauma or disrupted anatomy at the LP site
Platelets less than 20k
IDSA Practice Guidelines for Bacterial Meningitis · Contraindications to Lumbar Puncture · Consider neurosurgery or ID consultation for complex cases.