Several neonatal disorders necessitate a lumbar puncture for diagnosis and management. Key reasons include:
- Diagnosis of Infections: To diagnose meningitis or other central nervous system infections. - Metabolic Disorders: To study biochemical constituents in suspected metabolic disorders. - Intracranial Hemorrhage: To detect bleeding within the brain, which can be crucial in preterm infants. - Hydrocephalus: To measure intracranial pressure and assess the need for further intervention.
