This is the first episode in the neurological procedures series… drum roll please… you guessed it, it’s the lumbar puncture (LP)! This episode describes at length the many indications for lumbar punctures (a super helpful procedure!), the contraindications and how to evaluate these, how to consent the patient, what equipment is required and recommended, different options for ways to perform the procedure, and then of course a step-by-step how-to guide including invaluable tips and tricks, to hopefully improve all of your abilities in performing this essential procedure. The episode then concludes by providing a logical way of grouping and remembering all of the laboratory tests that may be required on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen… and don’t forget the paired serum testing! This episode is appropriate for medical students, junior doctors, physician and neurology trainees, emergency/critical care trainees, and any other health professional wanting to learn how to become awesome at performing lumbar punctures.

#medicaleducation #doctor #clinicalskills #lumbarpuncture #rneurologyeducation